tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-256237452017-11-24T09:14:21.175-07:00be·lov·ed"Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience," Colossians 3:12 Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.comBlogger344125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-17900135948889965722017-10-31T11:54:00.000-06:002017-10-31T11:54:38.873-06:00Reformation 500 - The Anniversary of Martin Luther's 95 Thesis<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">To reform something is "to amend or improve by change of form or removal of faults or abuses." (Websters dictionary) October 31, 1517 is the day remembered when Martin Luther nailed his 95 Thesis - or reforms - to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. His desire for discussion and change of a few major issues in the Roman Catholic Church sparked a "fire" across Europe, and now the world, that has led many to faith in Christ alone.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Today marks the 500th anniversary of that event. As I was reading this morning and thinking about what it means to us now; the song Boldly I Approach by Rend Collective came to my mind. We now have access to God's Word, the Bible, in a way unheard of ever before in history! We can approach God, through the Bible or prayer, on our own. We don't need anyone else to do it for us. Jesus broke those barriers when He died on the cross and rose again to life! I'm so grateful for the continued love Jesus has for us, His people.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">May we, today, remember the cost Christ paid so that we don't (because we can't) have to earn our way to salvation. God is the only one who "made an end to all our sin," as the song below states. I am so thankful to be Rescued from my sin and made righteous before God because of Jesus!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Romans 4:25-5:6 "He was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Therefore, since we have been declared righteous by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also rejoice in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God's love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ died for the ungodly."&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/4QDnVD7gu5Y/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4QDnVD7gu5Y?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Sola Gratia! by Grace Alone!&nbsp;</div><br />Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-69687670342872650892017-02-02T11:25:00.002-07:002017-02-02T19:57:48.823-07:00Nothing to ProveThere are days I've spent worrying and wondering if I have "done enough" homemaking or "been enough" of a friend, or "lived good enough" for Jesus to use me. And I always feel empty at the end of those days. I know you have felt this way too. All of us do. It's part of the curse that was brought on when sin entered the world. It is a hopeless way to live, always striving. Always wondering if you are enough. Deep in my soul, I know I'm not enough. I am a sinner and before I knew Jesus, even my "good deeds" were as filthy&nbsp;rags. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=isaiah+64%3A6&amp;version=NIV" target="_blank">Is. 64:6</a>) But God has given me a way to be enough! (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Titus+3:5&amp;version=ESV" target="_blank">Titus 3:5</a>) Because of Jesus, I am enough through Him. He has paid for my sins (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+5%3A8&amp;version=ESV" target="_blank">Rom. 5:8</a>) and I have accepted His work on my behalf. Now, I can live free from the need to prove myself worthy because He alone is worthy and has given me His righteousness. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1%20Corinthians+1:30&amp;version=ESV" target="_blank">1 Cor. 1:30</a>) The works I do now are His works in me and I desire to do them, not to prove anything, but to show others how great God is! (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+1%3A1-6&amp;version=ESV" target="_blank">Rom. 1:1-6)</a><br /><br />Even though I know the truth, I need to be reminded of it often. I do this mostly by filling my life with God's Word, the Bible, and good words written by people who love Him. <a href="http://www.jennieallen.com/jennie/" target="_blank">Jennie Allen</a> is one of those people. She loves the Lord, fiercely and unashamedly. Her desires are to make God known to this generation that we will see how truly wonderful God is. Jennie lives this out in her everyday life, but she also writes books and she just released a new book titled, "<a href="http://jennieallen.com/nothingtoprove/" target="_blank">Nothing to Prove: Why We Can Stop Trying So Hard</a>."<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6gFVG-qwRM/WJNvbf46XWI/AAAAAAAAHZs/MbUDfcYPtPgBCePr0EEtrb-PW4hbWHC3ACLcB/s1600/tumblr_ok1s7ut6Hg1w3j8bao1_1280.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X6gFVG-qwRM/WJNvbf46XWI/AAAAAAAAHZs/MbUDfcYPtPgBCePr0EEtrb-PW4hbWHC3ACLcB/s640/tumblr_ok1s7ut6Hg1w3j8bao1_1280.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />I have read all of Jennie Allen's books and "Nothing to Prove" is my favorite and made the biggest change in my everyday life. Striving, it's something we all do. Wanting to prove to others or ourselves, or even to God, that we are enough for this life. In this book, Jennie shares her story of striving and breaks down the areas in life where we all strive and she points us to a better way: Jesus.<br /><br />Through various passages in the gospel of John, Jennie shows how Jesus is enough for everyone and we are enough because of his love and in spite of our sin. He saved us on the cross and now we don't have to live thirsty, lonely, tired, passive, afraid, ashamed, or empty lives! Because of this book and Jennie's courage to share her struggle, I have renewed hope and trust in Jesus that He is enough for me.<br /><br />After reading this book, I want to read my Bible and know God more. It is geared toward women but people of all ages will benefit from reading. Each chapter from section two has applications at the end to help you use what you just read in your actual life right now. Encouragement and conviction flow through this book. The book itself isn't life changing, but the God it points us to is.<br /><br />I needed this book, and I suspect you do too.<br /><br /><br />Jennie Allen will be doing a book club through her Facebook live starting February 21st if you want to follow along.<br /><br />I was given an advanced copy of the book as part of the Launch Team but I would be recommending this book to anyone and everyone anyway. The link below is an affiliate link if you wish to buy the book directly from this post.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;source=ss&amp;ref=as_ss_li_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=amygo-20&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=US&amp;placement=1601429614&amp;asins=1601429614&amp;linkId=1bbc70899cb1c2012d721244805dcc7a&amp;show_border=true&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div>Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-26142912932198259682016-12-09T14:51:00.000-07:002016-12-09T15:30:33.546-07:00What I am reading this December and ideas you can use this Christmas season to refocus on JesusAs a child, my&nbsp;idea of Advent or an advent calendar was the daily chocolate candy that you found behind door number 1 (or 4, or 23.) It helped us count the days until Christmas arrived but there wasn't much focus on the why and it left us with a gross chocolate to eat.<br /><br />But, you know, we loved it! Just the process of having something to look forward to and celebrate was fun and exciting.<br /><br />&nbsp;I grew up in a home with parents who, themselves, grew up Mormon, turned Baptist, and landed in the "non-denominational" church that itself also "grew up baptist." Advent was not a regular part of our community's traditions. I can remember only one friend from church whose family celebrated Advent - colorful candles and all - so my knowledge on the subject was sparse.<br /><br />Twenty years later, as an adult, I was introduced to Advent in a whole new way. I had a few friends who regularly read daily devotionals meant just for Advent. I followed&nbsp;<a href="http://annvoskamp.com/" target="_blank">Ann Voskamp's Blog&nbsp;</a>before she had written her Advent books, and she mentioned their <a href="https://joywares.ca/collections/wreaths" target="_blank">Advent wreath</a> and family traditions. I also read a book by Noel Piper called <a href="http://amzn.to/2heYsQN" target="_blank">Treasuring God in Our Traditions</a>&nbsp;which she spends a chapter or two walking through their family's Advent practices. After a season of research, I was ready to dive into Advent the next year.<br /><br />For a year or two, I read a daily devotional in the month of December. It really did help me prepare my heart for Christmas and focus on the reality of Christ leaving heaven to come down to earth as an infant born to save the world. For a few years, we focused on the "Jesse Tree" aspect of Advent which uses the Old Testament stories of Jesus' family tree to point to His birth.<br /><br />Over the past eight years or so, I've tried many different Advent traditions. Some worked well and I loved it and some were too much work or I simply couldn't keep up. This year I combined my favorites and added one new idea.<br /><br />A book I am reading for the third time is by John Piper, offered as a free PDF from desiring God website: &nbsp;<a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/books/the-dawning-of-indestructible-joy" target="_blank">The Dawning of Indestructible Joy&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;or the kindle version is on sale today! (there are a few affiliate&nbsp;links to amazon throughout this post if you want to buy there directly)<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;source=ss&amp;ref=as_ss_li_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=amygo-20&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=US&amp;placement=B00IFG0902&amp;asins=B00IFG0902&amp;linkId=d66f2cbdd717d14cf36febae1ed29f04&amp;show_border=true&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe></div><br /><br />I am also reading a new devotional this year by She Reads Truth. It can be found online for free:&nbsp;<a href="http://shereadstruth.com/plan/advent-2016-christ-was-born-for-this/" target="_blank">She Reads Truth: Advent Plan 2016</a>&nbsp;They also have a men's version at&nbsp;<a href="http://hereadstruth.com/plan/advent-2016-christ-was-born-for-this/">He Reads Truth Advent 2016</a>. The theme of their advent plans is "Christ was born for this." Focusing on His role as Prophet, Priest, and King. I am learning a lot about the role of Prophets and Priests in the Bible and how Jesus is the perfect Prophet, Priest, and King.<br /><br />The last book I'm using this year has a version for adults and one meant for families. The version I am reading is on the kindle. They also have printable ornaments available to use for the Jesse Tree. Click on the picture for the link to amazon:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Greatest-Gift-Unwrapping-Story-Christmas/dp/1414387083/ref=as_li_ss_il?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1481303689&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=the+greatest+gift+ann+voskamp&amp;linkCode=li3&amp;tag=amygo-20&amp;linkId=2407b1ec05d7f3abf1fb0a608f2d7b82" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1414387083&amp;Format=_SL250_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=amygo-20" /></a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amygo-20&amp;l=li3&amp;o=1&amp;a=1414387083" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This is an ornament I printed and have used more than one year and this year the Jesse Tree is right in our dining room in my "Christmas decor zone."&nbsp;<a href="http://annvoskamp.com/thegreatestchristmas/#gc-title-fgtc" target="_blank">The Greatest Christmas printables</a><br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tVdIfmPFOT0/WET1I2NgWAI/AAAAAAAAHYI/ItMAVGRikO0/s640/blogger-image--1233647013.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tVdIfmPFOT0/WET1I2NgWAI/AAAAAAAAHYI/ItMAVGRikO0/s640/blogger-image--1233647013.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both;">I am also reading Ann Voskamp's family Advent book: Unwrapping the Greatest Gift<br /><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amygo-20&amp;l=li2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1414397542" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Unwrapping-Greatest-Gift-Celebration-Christmas/dp/1414397542/ref=as_li_ss_il?s=books&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1481304252&amp;sr=1-1&amp;keywords=unwrapping+the+greatest+gift&amp;linkCode=li2&amp;tag=amygo-20&amp;linkId=a41deb8b4d69f7eb51df5def2231caf2" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?_encoding=UTF8&amp;ASIN=1414397542&amp;Format=_SL160_&amp;ID=AsinImage&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;WS=1&amp;tag=amygo-20" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both;">It's out of stock on amazon till Dec. 14th but you can find it online other places. It has been our go-to book for the kids every night during advent. There are also ornaments you can print for that book that the kids can color and hang on the tree. This year I wasn't going to do that book with the kids but my five-year-old son asked me, "Mom when are we going to do the reading and coloring stories like last year?" So I started reading the stories at night - but we're not coloring the ornaments this year.<br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nGZCfiMmG3g/WET1H4HsiXI/AAAAAAAAHYE/4RkGuvucTD4/s640/blogger-image--1298484870.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nGZCfiMmG3g/WET1H4HsiXI/AAAAAAAAHYE/4RkGuvucTD4/s640/blogger-image--1298484870.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>I have a new display for the Christmas cards we receive this year and we are trying a new Advent prayer calendar that I found through&nbsp;<a href="http://mercyhouseglobal.org/">Mercy House Global</a>. I love the simplicity of it but also my geography-loving heart is thrilled that my children can learn a little bit about a new country each day.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RmSe-Ashql8/WET1JmtDHcI/AAAAAAAAHYM/JkeazWmGkq8/s640/blogger-image--1194911605.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RmSe-Ashql8/WET1JmtDHcI/AAAAAAAAHYM/JkeazWmGkq8/s640/blogger-image--1194911605.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both;">Each of the featured countries works with Mercy House in some way. The cards have a prompt with the country to give guidance for what to pray. Day nine, for today, is Ethiopia and pray for Abundance. So we use our&nbsp;<a href="http://amzn.to/2glgnIy">Smart Globe</a>&nbsp;to learn about the country and then we pray for them as we walk to the bus or drive to school. The website doesn't list the cards for sale anymore but they have other Christmas ideas and presents:&nbsp;<a href="http://mercy-house.myshopify.com/collections/christmas" target="_blank">Mercy House collections: Christmas</a>.<br /><br />Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Jesus both looking back to the past of his birth in Bethlehem and looking forward to His coming again as King of Kings. As Christians, it is important to be reading the Bible and learning about our Lord who came to save us from sin. So whatever you do for Bible study and prayer, think about shifting the focus for Advent season and focusing on God sending His Son to earth for us!<br /><br />Let me know what Advent traditions you have enjoyed, I'm always looking for great ideas or books. And, because I grew up with the daily chocolate treat. During Advent we also have a calendar box with a Hershey candy cane kiss for each of us to enjoy after dinner.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lk49eYnCScE/WEsjylJCrDI/AAAAAAAAHYs/-2B_AoGDZtc/s640/blogger-image--805524997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lk49eYnCScE/WEsjylJCrDI/AAAAAAAAHYs/-2B_AoGDZtc/s640/blogger-image--805524997.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><span class="text Luke-2-10" id="en-ESV-24975" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">"And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all&nbsp;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24975Q" data-link="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-24975Q&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference Q&quot;&gt;Q&lt;/a&gt;)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the people.</span><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;</span><span class="text Luke-2-11" id="en-ESV-24976" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box;">For&nbsp;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24976R" data-link="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-24976R&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference R&quot;&gt;R&lt;/a&gt;)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>unto you is born this day in&nbsp;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24976S" data-link="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-24976S&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference S&quot;&gt;S&lt;/a&gt;)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the city of David&nbsp;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24976T" data-link="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-24976T&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference T&quot;&gt;T&lt;/a&gt;)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>a Savior, who is&nbsp;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24976U" data-link="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-24976U&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference U&quot;&gt;U&lt;/a&gt;)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>Christ&nbsp;<span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-24976V" data-link="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-24976V&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference V&quot;&gt;V&lt;/a&gt;)" style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span>the Lord." <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+2&amp;version=ESV">Luke 2:10-11</a></span></i></span></div></div>Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-33688433705778616382016-11-27T17:20:00.000-07:002016-11-27T17:20:17.677-07:00Sometimes getting a song stuck in your head isn't all bad<div style="text-align: left;">I attend church pretty much every Sunday. It's not because we have to, but we enjoy church and the people God brings through the doors each week. I also lead a worship team at our church once a month. I choose the songs and lead the congregation in singing. I really enjoy it as a ministry and also as one of my favorite parts of the church service.<br /><br />Sometimes there are songs from the church service that follow me into my week. I'm usually glad about it but I know there are people who don't like having songs stuck in their head. All you want to do is move on and think about something else but that campy worship song from the 1960s is right there with you when dropping the kids off at school or as you type or put the dishes away. So you turn on some other music and for a time the song is replaced by your current tunes. But, later that night as you try to fall asleep, or maybe in your morning shower, there it is again! It's back and often it's only two or three lines of the song because you don't have all four verses memorized, just bits and pieces. I get it. It happens to me all the time. But, I've learned that the song I am remembering is often the song that helped better tie in the message of the sermon. Or it's the song that tugged a bit too tightly at my "heart strings" and I need to work on that area of my life. So now, when that song just won't go away, I try to embrace what the lyrics are saying and apply it to my life.<br /><br />There is a song recently that we sang at church about two months ago and it has been off and on in my brain ever since. I can remember singing it at the previous church we attended when I was a kid and I also remember singing it -&nbsp;maybe once a year - since I've attended our current church. The song is named "They'll know we are Christians by our love." It was written by Peter Scholtes in 1966 or '68 (and yes, it sounds exactly how I imagine Christianity in the 60s to sound.) Admit it, you are probably humming it right now after reading the title. Well, I chose this song for our church service today because I think the words are so powerful. As I was reading the words and preparing to lead worship this week, I realized that the words are exactly how we, if you are a Christian, should treat others. However, it is written in such a way that by the second or third verse it is so easy to get lost in the sound of the song and miss the lyrics. Now, I'm not sure if that happened to some people at our church this morning; but, hopefully, they will have it stuck in their head this week and God will use those words in spite of the "swaying melody" of the song.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w0crESjLtNA/WDp3y_WLq5I/AAAAAAAAHX0/cn6IG0md7mA/s640/blogger-image-838747413.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-w0crESjLtNA/WDp3y_WLq5I/AAAAAAAAHX0/cn6IG0md7mA/s1600/blogger-image-838747413.jpg" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><div style="text-align: left;">Pastor Terry is preaching a sermon series on the book of Philippians. Today he spoke on chapter 1:27-30. I chose most of the worship songs based on verse twenty-seven.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><span style="text-align: left;"></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><i>"Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,"&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=philippians+1&amp;version=ESV" target="_blank">Philippians 1:27&nbsp;</a></i></span></div><span style="text-align: left;"> <div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Unity of the believers and one mind is what Paul prayed the church in Philippi would have. He wanted to see it with his own eyes, or at least hear about their unity from others who visited him in prison. I pray the same for our church in Ogden Valley and the greater Church in the world. I desire to be a people who walk with each other and guard each other's dignity. I want us to praise the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. And I want other people - inside the church and outside - to know that we are Christians because of our love. The way we love is important!<br /><br />In the sermon today, Pastor Terry used an illustration of a waiter's relationship to a restaurant. If you have a waiter at a restaurant that gives you terrible service, you don't say, "I'm never having that waiter again!" Some people would say, "We are never coming to this restaurant again!" It is important how believers in Christ behave because it could lead to people being "turned off" to Christ and the church by one single person. Now, honestly, you cannot control how other people feel. And their actions as a result of an encounter with you may not be justified. I am not saying we should be perfect because that is impossible for us to do because of sin. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=romans+3%3A23&amp;version=ESV" target="_blank">Romans 3:23</a>) Plus, it is Christ who draws a person to His love. I am a part of their story but I'm not the one who saves them. Christ has (atoned) paid for our sins and we are a <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+5%3A17&amp;version=ESV" target="_blank">new creation</a> in Him. Because of His death on the cross, all the work has been done and we are able to give out His love to others. We are also able to apologize when we've wronged someone and hopefully reconcile the relationship. The gospel truly is good news!&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Look at the lyrics of the song with the main message stated more as a poem or verse. It helps me to see the lyrics and not the "campy 60s feel" of the song. May we strive for unity this week and may we be known by our love and may the praises&nbsp;be given to God alone.&nbsp;</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"We are one in the Spirit. We are one in the Lord. And we pray that all unity may one day be restored.</div><div style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;And they'll know we are Christians by our love.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">We will walk with each other. We will walk hand in hand. And together we'll spread the news that God is in our land.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">And they'll know we are Christians by our love.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">We will work with each other. We will work side by side. And we'll guard each man's dignity and save each man's pride.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">And they'll know we are Christians by our love.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">All praise to the Father from whom all things come, and all praise to Christ Jesus his only son, and all praise to the Spirit who makes us one.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">And they'll know we are Christians by our love. Yes, they'll know we are Christians by our love."</div>Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-62091932274303423602016-11-20T19:05:00.001-07:002016-11-20T19:09:04.614-07:00Ogden Valley Community Church <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am thrilled to report, a few weeks ago, we finally held our first worship service in our new church building! The process has been long (over two years of actively going through the building process) and filled with many unknowns and waiting but the Lord has provided a wonderful place for us to gather as a church and worship His name!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs+16&amp;version=ESV" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Proverbs 16:9</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"<span style="background-color: white;">The heart of man plans his way,&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white;">but</span><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-16850O" data-link="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-16850O&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference O&quot;&gt;O&lt;/a&gt;)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">the</span><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;</span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white;">establishes his steps."</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I have so many pictures of the building as it was being built and someday I'll make a link to an album instead of a blog post for those. These pictures are from our first Sunday service. I was able to sing on the worship team the first week and it was so amazing to see the many faces I know as well as the many who were visiting and curious. Whatever reason they chose to join us that morning, I pray they saw our desire to make God known and experienced His love and left our church encouraged. We serve a God of <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+1&amp;version=ESV" target="_blank">grace and truth</a> and we want to give His grace and truth to others.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+20%3A17-38&amp;version=ESV" target="_blank">Acts 20:28</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">&nbsp;<span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: bold; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">&nbsp;</span><span class="versenum" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;">"</span><span style="background-color: white;">Pay careful attention to yourselves and to all&nbsp;</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-27641AF" data-link="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-27641AF&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AF&quot;&gt;AF&lt;/a&gt;)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">the flock, in which&nbsp;</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-27641AG" data-link="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-27641AG&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AG&quot;&gt;AG&lt;/a&gt;)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">the Holy Spirit has made you&nbsp;</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-27641AH" data-link="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-27641AH&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AH&quot;&gt;AH&lt;/a&gt;)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">overseers,&nbsp;</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-27641AI" data-link="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-27641AI&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AI&quot;&gt;AI&lt;/a&gt;)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">to care for&nbsp;</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-27641AJ" data-link="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-27641AJ&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AJ&quot;&gt;AJ&lt;/a&gt;)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">the church of God,</span><span style="background-color: white;">&nbsp;</span><span style="background-color: white;">which he&nbsp;</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-27641AK" data-link="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-27641AK&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AK&quot;&gt;AK&lt;/a&gt;)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">obtained&nbsp;</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-27641AL" data-link="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-27641AL&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference AL&quot;&gt;AL&lt;/a&gt;)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white;">with his own blood."</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So, let me take you on a tour - it's not of the whole building, simply the places of which I took pictures. There are also some unfinished areas of the church that you may notice - we're still working on some things.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jr5dg0FKY4/WCs1VhKadEI/AAAAAAAAHUo/K2O4ttclT-YEnoy22oCtsqlldoN7RJxiACLcB/s1600/IMG_5860.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3jr5dg0FKY4/WCs1VhKadEI/AAAAAAAAHUo/K2O4ttclT-YEnoy22oCtsqlldoN7RJxiACLcB/s640/IMG_5860.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chairs and stage set; ready to start the service</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQMWpG2naIo/WCs1Wp6rcCI/AAAAAAAAHUs/MVncBjCaR1I2FUYOEtIHHzg8kWEqi2fBwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wQMWpG2naIo/WCs1Wp6rcCI/AAAAAAAAHUs/MVncBjCaR1I2FUYOEtIHHzg8kWEqi2fBwCLcB/s640/IMG_5862.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the stage.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IoqxNoMCjKg/WCs1Tsj8DjI/AAAAAAAAHUg/FSmwSfpPQX4B5mstLZ0xrHePMqT5WtXUQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5859.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IoqxNoMCjKg/WCs1Tsj8DjI/AAAAAAAAHUg/FSmwSfpPQX4B5mstLZ0xrHePMqT5WtXUQCLcB/s640/IMG_5859.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dad, in the sound booth - a place he enjoys and has been serving for most of my life.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGuwPs3XAp0/WCs1n6bxkYI/AAAAAAAAHVM/SMBAe-3uwsMxgeKy_o2NhS9Kpk41EIT6ACLcB/s1600/IMG_5865.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rGuwPs3XAp0/WCs1n6bxkYI/AAAAAAAAHVM/SMBAe-3uwsMxgeKy_o2NhS9Kpk41EIT6ACLcB/s640/IMG_5865.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attempted panorama of people getting ready to worship</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r7nM250RFYM/WDCrGQoswtI/AAAAAAAAHXg/EDZkh1WrgXwldYhqtqSJ3NCn02eaGeRlQCLcB/s1600/14937359_10154704460667937_4648951775586228014_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="594" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-r7nM250RFYM/WDCrGQoswtI/AAAAAAAAHXg/EDZkh1WrgXwldYhqtqSJ3NCn02eaGeRlQCLcB/s640/14937359_10154704460667937_4648951775586228014_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">During the welcoming by Jen. Photo credit: Zach Campbell</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--4zcbzxPtVY/WCs1b4Oc8oI/AAAAAAAAHUw/8J1W5pfLtYU6DnuBAznGdq_jMIuSWtSnwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5870.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--4zcbzxPtVY/WCs1b4Oc8oI/AAAAAAAAHUw/8J1W5pfLtYU6DnuBAznGdq_jMIuSWtSnwCLcB/s640/IMG_5870.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So many cars! It let us know we need to be better prepared for winter snow.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Z1nirqx4sA/WCs1b0KGMmI/AAAAAAAAHU0/_a8hQmagR40o9EUDDY4HSC-68YQSIjxMgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5871.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Z1nirqx4sA/WCs1b0KGMmI/AAAAAAAAHU0/_a8hQmagR40o9EUDDY4HSC-68YQSIjxMgCLcB/s640/IMG_5871.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More cars and the beautiful benches that James made for his Eagle Scout project!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-nam1jWZoE/WCs1g0qYWNI/AAAAAAAAHU8/TODUHaXJaw0kjBg5K3GW-prUoIHTUHOrACLcB/s1600/IMG_5872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6-nam1jWZoE/WCs1g0qYWNI/AAAAAAAAHU8/TODUHaXJaw0kjBg5K3GW-prUoIHTUHOrACLcB/s640/IMG_5872.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nursery Room for our kids that are two years old and under</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TiHJLLYTqEQ/WCs1gtQX0RI/AAAAAAAAHU4/h4gnxcT1Z6g0SoziZFNcsXa-3b_XGZ0VwCLcB/s1600/IMG_5873.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TiHJLLYTqEQ/WCs1gtQX0RI/AAAAAAAAHU4/h4gnxcT1Z6g0SoziZFNcsXa-3b_XGZ0VwCLcB/s640/IMG_5873.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preschool Class</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7VpRI1rg4CE/WCs1lVNXXqI/AAAAAAAAHVA/QeG5x27eR9giPgKHIeLSbbRf8OqyWYohQCLcB/s1600/IMG_5874.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7VpRI1rg4CE/WCs1lVNXXqI/AAAAAAAAHVA/QeG5x27eR9giPgKHIeLSbbRf8OqyWYohQCLcB/s640/IMG_5874.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elementary Class</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WsmjPPto4lY/WCs1lUw3LrI/AAAAAAAAHVE/ucq2yJs1g7kWlypDfbKnFxFpXu8u384_wCLcB/s1600/IMG_5875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WsmjPPto4lY/WCs1lUw3LrI/AAAAAAAAHVE/ucq2yJs1g7kWlypDfbKnFxFpXu8u384_wCLcB/s640/IMG_5875.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More elementary kids and helper</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Not pictured: A photo of the youth group class. They meet at 9:30 am (while I was in music practice)&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKSzIZH_jC8/WCs1oGo2qBI/AAAAAAAAHVI/MxkAsH0_2i4JoGfRNl1s76rrRl3D7rftgCLcB/s1600/IMG_5876.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aKSzIZH_jC8/WCs1oGo2qBI/AAAAAAAAHVI/MxkAsH0_2i4JoGfRNl1s76rrRl3D7rftgCLcB/s640/IMG_5876.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor Terry, I am so thankful that God brought his family to Utah and to our community.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My prayer for our church, as we continue ministry in this valley where we are established, is that we will seek the Lord and His ways. May our hearts desire to follow His leading and seek out ways to show His glory to those inside our church and out. That we will be known for our love and desire to show God's greatness. I want to be used for God's kingdom and to be seen as a peaceful help in the body of Christ. I am praying that God brings us the lost and hurting and they can find rest and peace for their souls. May our light that comes from the Holy Spirit shine in the communities around us and may our&nbsp;<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A4-9&amp;version=ESV" target="_blank">gentleness be evident to all</a>.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalms+107&amp;version=ESV" target="_blank">Psalms 107:1</a>&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: center;">"<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">Oh give thanks to the</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="small-caps" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px; font-variant-caps: small-caps; font-variant-numeric: normal;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">,</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">&nbsp;</span><span class="crossreference" data-cr="#cen-ESV-15701B" data-link="(&lt;a href=&quot;#cen-ESV-15701B&quot; title=&quot;See cross-reference B&quot;&gt;B&lt;/a&gt;)" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 0.625em; line-height: 22px; position: relative; top: 0px; vertical-align: top;"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 16px;">for he is good&nbsp;</span></span><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;">&nbsp;</span><span class="text Ps-107-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; font-size: 16px; position: relative;">for his steadfast love endures forever!"</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-107-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><br /></span></span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-107-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><br /></span></span><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-107-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><br /></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"><span class="text Ps-107-1" style="box-sizing: border-box; font-family: inherit; position: relative;"><a href="http://ovcchuntsville.org/" target="_blank">Ogden Valley Community Church </a>&nbsp;for address and additional information</span></span></div></div><span class="indent-1" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-size: 16px;"></span></div>Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-39952697066784312122016-11-14T22:11:00.001-07:002016-11-14T22:11:35.143-07:00The Company We KeepEvery month, I attend a book club comprised of women from my church and a few other churches around our area. We meet for a few hours and discuss the book we chose for the month. I love meeting with these ladies. I have found that I learn best by verbally processing the information I've taken in. So if I read a book and walk away, never to discuss it with any one else, then I won't remember as much as if I told someone about what I liked and what I still didn't quite understand. Which is why I have loved the book club aspect of reading books. I get to discuss the book with ladies who also read it and may have a different perspective to offer.<br /><br />I have been trying to read more books over the past few years. The kids and I finished two book series: Little House and Chronicles of Narnia. They were so good for me to read because I am drawn to books that are "self-help" in nature but focused on Christ - in that we don't "help ourselves," we trust in Jesus' work on the cross to do that. The books I read can be overwhelming, often taking me deep into my habits and relationships, attempting to draw out the best of Jesus in my life. I know some people don't enjoy or desire books like that, but I do. I want to live my best life in Christ, not merely "getting by" in life. My desire is for Him and for His name to be known.<br /><br />The book we chose to read for October was refreshingly short but still extremely eye-opening. If I am spending a month to read through a book, I want it to be "worth it" however that is measured. The book is called&nbsp;<a href="https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1936760959/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1936760959&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;tag=amygo-20&amp;linkId=ec91cb34332e2397eecfecb7745bdbe8" target="_blank">The Company We Keep: In Search of Biblical Friendship</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="//ir-na.amazon-adsystem.com/e/ir?t=amygo-20&amp;l=am2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1936760959" style="border: none !important; margin: 0px !important;" width="1" />. It consists of six chapters - and I enjoyed it very much. I have always had friends but I have always desired for those friendships to be amazing! The "quality" of my friendships has been determined by differing scales throughout my life - all designed by me. I determined if the friendship was "good" or "enough" and that isn't necessarily wrong but it certainly isn't fair to myself or my friend. That is why I was excited to read this book. It gives a more Biblical perspective on friendship and what our friendships can look like with Christ as the center. Obviously, any book I read, outside of the Bible, isn't going to be the "be-all-end-all" of the issues in my life. This book is no exception but it does offer a good direction on the next step in many of my friendships.<br /><br />This is a quote from the first chapter. It talks about the difference between friendships in the world and a friendship with Jesus at the center.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">"For not only is he the center, he also gives us the power to follow his example and befriend others. This embodied friendship, centered on Jesus, flows out into every area of life. Friendship ceases to be primarily something we do, and instead it transforms into something we become as we follow Christ." - Holmes&nbsp;</div><br />I am encouraged that my focus in friendships should be Christ and following His example and I watch Him do the work through me. What a great blessing to be reminded yet again that there is nothing I have to do to earn favor in this life. Jesus has already paid the price I was meant to pay and now I trust Him and obey. The gospel is good news.<br /><br />So, to my friends who are reading this, thank you for your love and friendship and for you listening ear as I verbally process life! I am so thankful to be walking life with you.<br /><br />If you desire more direction in your friendships, please read this book. When you finish, contact me and we can talk.<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&amp;OneJS=1&amp;Operation=GetAdHtml&amp;MarketPlace=US&amp;source=ac&amp;ref=qf_sp_asin_til&amp;ad_type=product_link&amp;tracking_id=amygo-20&amp;marketplace=amazon&amp;region=US&amp;placement=1936760959&amp;asins=1936760959&amp;linkId=6f4180f89995419e07fb353d9059aa5e&amp;show_border=false&amp;link_opens_in_new_window=true&amp;price_color=333333&amp;title_color=0066c0&amp;bg_color=ffffff" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"> </iframe>Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-85386672854572962292016-07-12T11:17:00.001-06:002016-07-12T11:17:02.758-06:00Give What You HaveThere are moments in my time as a mother where I have been teaching my children about God and His Word and have learned a great deal more about God than my children did. It happens most often when I am trying to talk about a sin issue with them and I have committed the same sin recently or when we are listening to songs or stories about the Bible.<br /><br />&nbsp;I want to fill my children's minds with good and uplifting songs and stories. Often when we are driving to town, as we say, I will turn on Bible stories or <a href="http://songsforsaplings.com/" target="_blank">Songs for Saplings</a>. &nbsp;We live in a valley area that has no stoplights and one grocery store so most stores we may need are about a twenty minute drive away. Over the years, I have enjoyed listening to NPR for various reasons, but lately the content is too heavy for the little ears of my children. It's not that I don't want them exposed to those issues, it's just that I would like to better introduce it to them and be able to talk with them about it in an age appropriate way. So one such instance came about and I needed to change the listening we were doing. I asked Siri to play Jesus Storybook Bible and the story that came first, because shuffle, was called "Filled Full." The story is from Matthew 14, Mark 6, and Luke 9 when Jesus feeds the 5,000 with a young boy's lunch of five loaves of bread and two fish. I love the version in the Jesus Storybook Bible.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81O5Ye2FMCL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81O5Ye2FMCL.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>We purchased the <a href="https://smile.amazon.com/Jesus-Storybook-Bible-Deluxe-CDs/dp/0310748844/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1468337749&amp;sr=8-2&amp;keywords=Jesus+Storybook+Bible" target="_blank">"deluxe edition" of the Jesus Storybook Bible</a>&nbsp;which is the hardcover storybook Bible with a set CD's that contain the stories as read to you by David Suchet. I love how he reads the stories. It brings the emotions to life so well that I have cried, while listening, multiple times. I have also cried while reading the stories to the kids because God's Word is amazing and Sally Lloyd Jones does an wonderful job of capturing the details.<br /><br />The part of the story that grabbed me was this: after Jesus had asked them, "What do you have?" a little boy offered his small lunch - not because he knew it was enough, but because it is what he had.<br /><br /><i>"Jesus' friends laughed when they saw his little lunch. 'That's not nearly enough!' they said. But they were wrong. Jesus knew it didn't matter how much the little boy had. God would make it enough, more than enough. Jesus said, 'Bring me what you have.'"</i><br /><br />As I was listening, it hit me: we need only to give what we have and God uses it for his glory.<br /><br />I am often so concerned that I don't have enough skills or talents or money or kindness that I end up giving none. I shy away and think, "I can't fix this so I'll wait for someone else who can." I want my viewpoint to change, and I need to merely give what I have - because God has given it to me to be used by Him. I heard someone say once, regarding this story, that Jesus would probably have fed those people somehow. But how amazing for the boy who gave? He witnessed God's power in a direct way. I'm not sure if all the people there that day knew how the food was "made." But for certain, the boy knew. God had shown up and the boy simply gave what he could and God made it more than enough for His glory and fame.<br /><br />May we be willing, like a little child, to give away what we have so Jesus can turn it into more than enough.Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-63217970242501298412016-06-29T09:56:00.000-06:002016-06-29T09:56:30.947-06:00Mayo Family Reunion 2016My grandpa Ab turned Ninety-two this year! Nearly every year we have a Mayo family reunion on or around his birthday. This year we partied at my parents' home.&nbsp;<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">There was dinner, "minute-to-win-it" type games, face painting, birthday singing and a cake shaped like an airplane.&nbsp;</span><br /><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rhR_eBfuZUc/V3C27oFgwsI/AAAAAAAAHNo/L00GDzIrxWE/s640/blogger-image--73980177.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-rhR_eBfuZUc/V3C27oFgwsI/AAAAAAAAHNo/L00GDzIrxWE/s640/blogger-image--73980177.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Selfie with my grandpa. When I flipped the camera from back to the front camera on my iphone he said,<br />&nbsp;"Well for heck sakes!"&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cY2AqCImPcc/V3C25dGZsOI/AAAAAAAAHNQ/sRng96tOVYA/s640/blogger-image--554925157.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-cY2AqCImPcc/V3C25dGZsOI/AAAAAAAAHNQ/sRng96tOVYA/s640/blogger-image--554925157.jpg" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jBn3yihj96M/V3C3Dsq_6FI/AAAAAAAAHOw/t291i_X6fvA/s640/blogger-image-951543304.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jBn3yihj96M/V3C3Dsq_6FI/AAAAAAAAHOw/t291i_X6fvA/s640/blogger-image-951543304.jpg" /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5WpHqLGXzVk/V3C26zVX0lI/AAAAAAAAHNg/4JuNN4UfzPQ/s640/blogger-image-655533462.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-5WpHqLGXzVk/V3C26zVX0lI/AAAAAAAAHNg/4JuNN4UfzPQ/s640/blogger-image-655533462.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He wanted a Cat face so he could be like our Cat, Dot. I forgot to take an after photo until after it was all smeared.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1-G2-8VCynI/V3C29vRwTuI/AAAAAAAAHN4/5W4yOH-m6b4/s640/blogger-image-761909270.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1-G2-8VCynI/V3C29vRwTuI/AAAAAAAAHN4/5W4yOH-m6b4/s640/blogger-image-761909270.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VYOdhCyENUw/V3C26WTCvYI/AAAAAAAAHNY/CWX3V0O2lrI/s640/blogger-image--257299673.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VYOdhCyENUw/V3C26WTCvYI/AAAAAAAAHNY/CWX3V0O2lrI/s640/blogger-image--257299673.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8BqKhwEmhrU/V3C3ALT-I0I/AAAAAAAAHOQ/YcysUvUnrqs/s640/blogger-image-109442567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-8BqKhwEmhrU/V3C3ALT-I0I/AAAAAAAAHOQ/YcysUvUnrqs/s640/blogger-image-109442567.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oHus57wYtuA/V3C3ClMwIqI/AAAAAAAAHOo/9Sz9jnweWYk/s640/blogger-image-139678911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-oHus57wYtuA/V3C3ClMwIqI/AAAAAAAAHOo/9Sz9jnweWYk/s640/blogger-image-139678911.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0E-1hx5B8EI/V3C3A585DoI/AAAAAAAAHOY/ZC8CLVoFV8w/s640/blogger-image--1617903843.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0E-1hx5B8EI/V3C3A585DoI/AAAAAAAAHOY/ZC8CLVoFV8w/s640/blogger-image--1617903843.jpg" /></a></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">My kids and some of the other "cousins' kids" are getting older so there was noticeably less chaos this time around. For the most part, I was able to stand around and talk with my extended family without having to intervene too much in what my kids were playing. They even participated in most of the games!&nbsp;</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">I love my family and it was great to see them and spend some time talking. My grandparents are creating a legacy of love and enjoyment of family and I love them for always showing up and making everyone feel loved.&nbsp;</span><br /><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fCHHqw6-d6c/V3C28tCuDRI/AAAAAAAAHNw/7zHvA3rV13k/s640/blogger-image--1592263578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fCHHqw6-d6c/V3C28tCuDRI/AAAAAAAAHNw/7zHvA3rV13k/s640/blogger-image--1592263578.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I forgot to take a "4 generations" photo this time around so three generations will have to do (sorry mom)</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p1xkpO7VGO4/V3C2_A1NMtI/AAAAAAAAHOI/KI2rxgwllHE/s640/blogger-image--2061034509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-p1xkpO7VGO4/V3C2_A1NMtI/AAAAAAAAHOI/KI2rxgwllHE/s640/blogger-image--2061034509.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My grandpa was a mechanic on airplanes like this, at HillAFB, so my cousin made this amazing cake!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IjAr63_C2eM/V3C3B4CyyFI/AAAAAAAAHOg/_Qj2KPwIt_I/s640/blogger-image-274688551.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-IjAr63_C2eM/V3C3B4CyyFI/AAAAAAAAHOg/_Qj2KPwIt_I/s640/blogger-image-274688551.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sons, and son-in-law, with their dad</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LE6t7AcTHfo/V3C2-fL4RRI/AAAAAAAAHOA/-_59YjFnkKw/s640/blogger-image--717008442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LE6t7AcTHfo/V3C2-fL4RRI/AAAAAAAAHOA/-_59YjFnkKw/s640/blogger-image--717008442.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy Cousins! We are missing Todd, Melissa, Scott, and Craig</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ga6mQob8AZM/V3PhaCL28DI/AAAAAAAAHPM/p4eOaWNyTLo/s640/blogger-image--498039577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ga6mQob8AZM/V3PhaCL28DI/AAAAAAAAHPM/p4eOaWNyTLo/s640/blogger-image--498039577.jpg" /></a></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lxSkoPYauvE/V3PhZAfFL_I/AAAAAAAAHPE/Woit6hnakoI/s640/blogger-image--762693785.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-lxSkoPYauvE/V3PhZAfFL_I/AAAAAAAAHPE/Woit6hnakoI/s640/blogger-image--762693785.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mayo Family Reunion - June 26, 2016</td></tr></tbody></table>Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-70655981121674798692016-06-24T10:33:00.001-06:002016-06-24T10:33:58.570-06:00DecadeTen years is a long time. Many phases of our childhood and young adult life are less than a decade: elementary, Jr. high, high school and usually college are all shorter than a decade. Even in those seasons of life it "feels" like such a long time. Then those phases are complete and we have Adulthood: decades, Lord willing, of our lives. We can spend decades at a job, in a home, in a marriage, raising children, building friendships, serving through church. So many aspects of our lives simply flow into decades; sometimes it happens without us even noticing.<br /><br />A few weeks ago, I listened to a podcast and they mentioned they had been blogging for a decade. I thought, "Wow, that's a long time!" Then I thought about it, and I have been blogging - granted off and on- for A DECADE! How did that happen? Well, the beginnings of my adult life happened during that time so I can see why the whole "blogging for a decade" wasn't as momentous as say: graduating college, my first teaching job, Pete finding a good job, buying and selling of homes, first child, second child, and said children entering school. Many, many "life events" have happened in the past ten years (with marriage being two years before I started my blog.) Through it all, I'm glad I was blogging (or attempting) because I have many of those moments recorded in written words.<br /><br />My<a href="http://amygompert.blogspot.com/2006/04/way-i-was-made.html" target="_blank"> first blog post</a>&nbsp;was an introduction and declaration that "I will now blog things!" So it began and has continued for ten years!&nbsp;&nbsp;I have only changed the name of the url once and the name of the blog once. Considering how often I thought about changing it up, I will call that well balanced. There were years where I posted every other day or so and there are years with four or five posts TOTAL! But I never gave up and deleted everything. I have had probably a few loyal readers - mostly my family and a few friends - but also a few random strangers have read my blog. I love looking through the archive. I now view it as a sort of "monument of stones" to tell of all the ways God had been present in my life. I can look back and share with my kids of the prayers answered, the fun times, and the trying times too.<br /><br />Though instagram now has provided an outlet for me to share moments more quickly; the blog will always be the place I write. I have tried journals over the years and other writing forms but I return to the blog every time. There have been many times I've wondered why I return to the blog. I mean, I don't have a huge readership. I don't even have a good purpose for this blog - ten years later. But I am learning and changing with every post I write and to me that is encouraging and freeing. The podcast I mentioned earlier is titled "<a href="http://hopewriters.com/blog-hopewriters-podcast-season-1-ep-5/" target="_blank">Should you blog</a>?" I have had that thought many times and have always, so far, come to the conclusion Yes! For me, blogging is not dead and still provides value. It may not provide an income for me as I hear happens for many women. But it provides a place for me to write and encourage others and also document the moments in the decades where God has provided and is always faithful.<br /><br />Thank you for reading! If you have a blog, leave a comment with how long you have been blogging. Do you still blog or did you stop? What draws you to a blog over and over again or what do you hope brings others to your blog?Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-27193484440392527062016-06-22T00:37:00.000-06:002016-06-22T00:37:23.211-06:00Parenting at the splash padThe kids and I visited a splash pad the other day. The high was around 97 degrees and I needed to make another trip to the truck dealership in Morgan, a town twenty minutes from ours, so we also made time to play at the Morgan splash pad. Our town doesn't have a splash pad and this park is about the same distance from our house as the other two splash pads in the area.<br /><br />I like splash pads better than pools at this stage in my kids' lives. 1- They are free! 2- My kids don't fully swim yet and at a splash pad, there is water to run through but zero chance of drowning. (Don't get me wrong, I - as the crazy mom I am - have already thought of the other safety hazards at splash pads: slipping and hitting your head on concrete, running into another child then falling and hitting your head, also running into a metal pole with your head. So basically head injuries.) But it's mostly like sending your kid to run through really fun sprinklers and you don't have to do any of the work of setting it up.<br /><br />This trip I was hoping to let them play while I started a book I am reading for the monthly book club I attend. We weren't meeting any friends this time around and it was in a town we don't frequent often so I probably would be surrounded by strangers. It was a weekday and I was hoping for a smaller crowd so I could snag one of the four umbrella tables they have between the park and the splash pad.<br /><br />The plan was set and off we went. The kids were already in their swim suits, I had snacks and sunscreen packed, and so we started our adventure. The trip to the dealership to pick up the parts took about three minutes. We also stopped at the Tractor Supply Store to buy chicken feed. Then it was time for the splash pad. We arrived and I parked in the shade. I slathered them in sunscreen, we made a trip to the bathrooms (before their suits were soaking wet) and I found an empty table with an umbrella so I could sit and watch from the shade.<br /><br />They ran off, with squeals of glee, into the fenced area full of water features and children. My girl just ran from one place to the next, while holding her nose closed, trying to get as wet as possible. The boy, on the other hand, still has this thing with not wanting to get his face wet so he found his favorite, non-threatening sprinkler and hunkered down for the long haul. It was a tower of purple sphere things and little water spouts shot out from every direction. His favorite thing was to climb onto it and try to plug as many holes as possible with his chest, hands, and legs. It was hilarious to watch! Of course he chose to play on the other side of the pad, furthest from me. I noticed some girls younger than him were trying to fill some buckets they had with the water he was blocking. I was probably on page two of the book I brought and we had been there for a half hour already. Watching him and the girls, he reminded me of Gus Gus from the Disney Cinderella cartoon when he was clutching his hat after a run-in with Lucifer the cat and all he did was close his eyes and say, "nope, nope, nope, nope!" when the other mice tried to tell him to move. I sent big sister in to be a distraction and take him to play somewhere else. It worked for a while but soon he was back at the same spot and I read on for a while.<br /><br />Somehow I have this "mom-sense" that helps me notice only my kids' movements in a crowd and I can usually spot them pretty quickly when needed. So I glanced to see if they were still having fun and "being good." Well, B was talking with a kid while on top of this purple sprinkler thing trying to plug all the holes. Seriously, the next second, the kid lunged at him and pulled him down off the tower. He proceeded to claw my boy on his face and neck! Oh man, was Mama Bear upset! This kid kept at it and I was so proud that B only pushed him in attempts to escape and not out of anger. He actually was so surprised that this was even happening and was able to get away as I walked over to the two. Well the boy was crying now and I sternly told him, "You need to be kind!" as he ran to his mom.<br /><br />I found out what happened, from B's perspective. The boy had freaked out because B was blocking the water so the boy wouldn't drink it. I had told them not to drink the water - it's treated with chlorine - so B decided he should let other kids know they shouldn't drink it either. We talked about being the boss of only ourselves and not worrying about what the other kids drink or don't, that's their job. I also praised him for not getting angry at the boy and for staying calm, because that's not usually how it goes at home in conflicts with the sister.<br /><br />Out he went again, after I suggested he should probably play by a different water toy. He found J and they ran around all crazy for another half hour before it was time to dry off. As B was sitting on his towel, the same kid came up to him, with his little punk friend for backup. The boy, who was probably four years old just pushed him and when I told him not to do that and it's not okay to push other kids, they simply stood there and stuck out their tongues at B until I told them to leave and to start being kind.<br /><br />In the hour we were there, I was only able to read one chapter in my book. Though I had tried to be, this time I was not the inattentive mom who wasn't paying attention to what her kids were doing to other kids. That award went to the other gal. She did not say a thing to her son about what went down and I'm not sure she even knew. Well, my little guy - who can be a bully himself. Though I've never seen him as brash as these kids. He was so hurt inside that he talked to me about it for at least ten minutes in the car on the way home. He asked me why they were so mean to him when he hadn't done anything to them. He kept saying, "Mom, they were not nice kids." We were able to talk about how Jesus loves us all the time, even when we are mean to other people. Jesus loves that boy and we should too, even though it's tough. We also talked about our family and how we don't act that way, ever, because we know Jesus. It was a good discussion for me to have with them because I wanted to tell that mom what I thought about her "parenting skills." But then I remembered that it could have been B who pummeled her kid; he often loses his temper when he doesn't get his way. So I remained calm and strangely thanked God that my kid was picked on and not the bully.<br /><br />I want to be a good example to my children of how we should behave in the world because we have the love of Christ. I know there will be much more parenting at splash pads in the future and hopefully we can show the love of Christ to others around us.<br /><br /><div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F3XHwC-1q7s/V2h9rm-Ft0I/AAAAAAAAHNA/8egGZg1x3nI/s1600/blogger-image--1239920518.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F3XHwC-1q7s/V2h9rm-Ft0I/AAAAAAAAHNA/8egGZg1x3nI/s640/blogger-image--1239920518.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:6&nbsp;</div></div></div>Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-84196023803426358362016-03-30T16:09:00.001-06:002016-04-07T02:44:53.792-06:00Correspondence<div class="" style="clear: both;">There are so many many things that I love the "idea of," but in reality are not easy for me at all. Take being a morning person, for instance. I love the idea of waking up early to get in exercise, a shower, and coffee/Bible time all before anyone else in my home is awake. That feeling of the warm cup in my hands and the toast with butter, cinnamon, and honey waiting beside my Bible and devotional book is so enticing. But man, the night time television and my warm bed in the morning seem to overrule the fantasy about mornings that I have in my head.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both;">Another thing I love the idea of but doesn't flesh itself out in reality is correspondence. The act of writing letters or even emails with a friend to keep the relationship going when they are not someone you see often "in real life." Thankfully I have a friend who is great at correspondence and has stuck with it off and on for twenty years (though we probably had a ten year gap where we didn't talk much at all.)</div><div class="" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both;">She lived in Utah when we were younger and we both went to the same private elementary school and then were both home-schooled when the school closed down. She recently told me I was probably her first true friend (different than sisters or cousin friends we were born with) and I realized she was probably my first true friend too. We had sleepovers together and we even went away to camp for a week together when we were very young. We both wore awkward sweatshirts and stretchy pants. Her hair was dark and silky smooth and mine was dark but out of control most days. We were both "first borns" and acted that way; which seemed to only affect our relationships to our younger siblings instead of our relationship.&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XUspShDBw9Q/VvxJTNNjaMI/AAAAAAAAHME/FR7R4tSmWXM/s640/blogger-image-1841494975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-XUspShDBw9Q/VvxJTNNjaMI/AAAAAAAAHME/FR7R4tSmWXM/s1600/blogger-image-1841494975.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here we are at Camp Utibica (1994?) - notice my pants mixed with short sleeve sweater! wow!&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="" style="clear: both;">One year, her dad's job moved and so did they - to Connecticut! She wrote me all kinds of letters and postcards - stationary must be part of her love language. I sometimes wrote back but not often enough because sometimes the end of her letters had the words, "please write back!" How sad, right?&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qNgBskqlFnc/VvxJR1CGkdI/AAAAAAAAHMA/m_7L6munTzE/s640/blogger-image--474893800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-qNgBskqlFnc/VvxJR1CGkdI/AAAAAAAAHMA/m_7L6munTzE/s640/blogger-image--474893800.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I found this postcard in a box of things my parents cleaned out of their home. P.S. write back!</td></tr></tbody></table>We managed to stay friends for a while and I even flew out to visit her when I was twelve. I rode solo on a plane and her family took me to New York City, Statue of Liberty, (accidental side trip to New Jersey when we got on the wrong ferry), Plymouth Rock, Mark Twain's house, and maybe more? I cherished that trip.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Well, a few weeks ago I received a letter in the mail....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zIlNhEkSPpg/VrktIrfHWfI/AAAAAAAAHKk/H0JcBwk0joY/s640/blogger-image--891822883.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-zIlNhEkSPpg/VrktIrfHWfI/AAAAAAAAHKk/H0JcBwk0joY/s640/blogger-image--891822883.jpg" /></a></div><br />When opened, I saw a very familiar cursive that brought back memories from twenty years ago. This girl has always had beautiful, flowing handwriting.<br /><br />I am happy to report I have written back to her and am so glad our correspondence can begin again. She recently moved to Dallas and her and her husband are foster parents. Social media has helped us stay up to date on the happenings in each others' life but it is so nice to receive a real letter in the mail. I am grateful that God places people in our lives to minister to us and for us to minister to. I want to encourage deep and meaningful relationships in my life and I'm glad this relationship gets another chance.<br /><br />One of my goals for 2016 is to write more often. This includes here on my blog but also in letters and cards. I'm glad I still have 2/3 of a year to foster this habit.<br /><br />Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-54388373866374559622016-01-27T10:18:00.000-07:002016-01-27T10:47:56.487-07:00Ski time with kids<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">A couple weeks ago, in our area, a series of snow storms came through. Our house received about 8" in 48 hours and our ski resort,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.snowbasin.com/the-mountain/conditions/" target="_blank">Snowbasin</a>, received about 11" total from the storms. I'm sure Friday would have been an amazing powder day to ski. If you love skiing as much as my husband you would get it; but I don't have that level of love for the slopes (yet?) so I was fine staying home with the warmth of my coffee and listening to the kids playing downstairs.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">However, it was suggested to me that since the girl had a day off of school, I should take the kids skiing Friday. Well, I have never taken both kids skiing by myself so I was hesitant. Now as I type this, it sounds ridiculous to me. I mean, I birthed these children and have raised them up this far. They are my job and I take them everywhere with me. I have successfully managed the zoo, IKEA (without the smaland), many grocery trips, swimming pools, hiking, and other outings with just me and them. So skiing with the two should be something I am capable of too, right? But here's the deal, all the other activities I do with the kids are mostly me watching them do the activity or them helping me. Rarely do all three of us participate in the same activity at the same time - enter skiing, biking, "swimming" which I usually wade around and help them, and hiking too I guess, though it's just walking on a trail. I've only been back to skiing for three seasons now so I'm not what you would call an expert. So in my mind, the three of us going skiing is like three beginners skiing together. No guidance, no experts, no help. Last season, I also tore my ACL on our last run of the year so that is mentally messing me up too; though physically I am capable of skiing again.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Imagine the scene: we start preparing at 1:30pm and leave the house at 1:55 (a record as far as I'm concerned even with most of their ski gear already loaded up in our "ski bin.") I thought that later in the day would be less busy and we could pull right in and park in lot A or B. Nope, we parked in lot E - Next time I'll park in the lower lot because it's the last stop of the shuttle before going back to the lodge. I got out of the car and put on my boots and helmet then helped the kids put on their helmets and gloves. I handed each kid their poles and skis - which they cradle in their arms sort of like a bundle of sticks. I grabbed my skis and poles and off we went. I didn't want to stand around waiting for the shuttle to stop by so I figured we could start walking and hop on when it came by. Well we were almost to lot C when the boy dropped all his gear right in the middle of the road. So there I am with a whiny kid in the middle of the parking lot trying to pick up his skis without dropping my own. Thankfully no one was around to see this mess but also that means no one was around to lend a hand either. We kept walking and by the time the shuttle came we were almost to lot A so I waved him on and we kept walking. After much whining from both kids and snapping from me, we arrived at Little Cat lift around 2:30 and proceeded to put on our skis.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The rest of the time was okay, we only skied little cat because it was snowing a little at the base which sometimes that means more snow and less visibility up top. I tried to be kind and we did have some fun. Overall a good time with a lot of work for five quick runs. I will try to take them again sometime but it was definitely a lesson for me. Next time we will try to go earlier and have more fun snacks and incentives for good attitudes all around.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kgaII9vKH4s/Vpp_E2CQTZI/AAAAAAAAHFA/UPPfM4ub4vI/s640/blogger-image--141973802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nopin="nopin" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kgaII9vKH4s/Vpp_E2CQTZI/AAAAAAAAHFA/UPPfM4ub4vI/s640/blogger-image--141973802.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This picture represents the happy faces of a mom and her two kids who survived their first ski afternoon together, without dad's help. I guess you could call it a successful trip but that depends on <span style="font-family: inherit;">your definition of success. Websters defines success as:&nbsp;</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><h2 style="background-color: white; color: #375c71; font-size: 1.375em; letter-spacing: 0.0454em; line-height: 1.2272; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; z-index: auto !important;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/success">Full Definition of&nbsp;</a><span style="font-size: 1.047em; font-variant: small-caps; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/success" target="_blank">success</a>&nbsp;</span></span></h2><div class="card-primary-content" style="background-color: white; clear: both; margin: 1.125em 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><ol class="definition-list" style="float: left; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 1.25em; padding: 0px; width: auto;"><li style="counter-increment: nums 1; letter-spacing: 0.094em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 1.1875em; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="definition-inner-item with-sense" style="clear: both; color: #3b3e41; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.04em !important; line-height: 1.5em !important; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.1875em; position: relative;"><span class="sense" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1</span></span><span style="display: block; margin: 0px 0px 0.125em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">obsolete</em>&nbsp;<span class="intro-colon" style="display: initial; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">:</span>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a class="sx-link sc" href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/outcome" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; color: #ae0015; font-variant: small-caps !important; letter-spacing: 0.04em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">outcome</a>,&nbsp;<a class="sx-link sc" href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/result" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; color: #ae0015; font-variant: small-caps !important; letter-spacing: 0.04em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">result</a></span></span></div></li><li style="counter-increment: nums 1; letter-spacing: 0.094em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px 0px 1.1875em; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="definition-inner-item with-sense" style="clear: both; color: #3b3e41; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.04em !important; line-height: 1.5em !important; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.1875em; position: relative;"><span class="sense" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2</span></span><span style="display: block; margin: 0px 0px 0.125em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="sub sense alp" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: static; top: 0px;">a</span>&nbsp;<span class="intro-colon" style="display: initial; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;">:</span>&nbsp; degree or measure of&nbsp;<a class="d_link" href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/succeed" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; color: #ae0015; letter-spacing: 0.04em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">succeeding</a></span></span><span style="display: block; margin: 0px 0px 0.125em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="sub sense alp" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: static; top: 0px;">b</span>&nbsp;<span class="intro-colon" style="display: initial; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px !important; margin-top: 0px; padding: 0px;">:</span>&nbsp; favorable or desired outcome;&nbsp;<em style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">also</em>&nbsp;<span class="intro-colon" style="display: initial; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">:</span>&nbsp; the attainment of wealth, favor, or&nbsp;<a class="d_link" href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/eminence" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; color: #ae0015; letter-spacing: 0.04em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">eminence</a></span></span></div></li><li style="counter-increment: nums 1; letter-spacing: 0.094em; list-style-position: outside; list-style-type: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="definition-inner-item with-sense" style="clear: both; color: #3b3e41; font-size: 1em; letter-spacing: 0.04em !important; line-height: 1.5em !important; padding: 0px 0px 0px 2.1875em; position: relative;"><span class="sense" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: bold; left: 0px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: absolute; top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3</span></span><span style="display: block; margin: 0px 0px 0.125em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="intro-colon" style="display: initial; font-weight: bold; margin: 0px 5px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;">:</span>&nbsp; one that&nbsp;<a class="d_link" href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/succeed" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; color: #ae0015; letter-spacing: 0.04em; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">succeeds</a></span></span></div></li></ol></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So the desired outcome I wanted was to take the kids skiing and A: be able to ski with both of them and make it down the mountain in one piece, B: still be friends afterward. So I think it was a success.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">And to all you parents out there trying to do fun things with your kids even though it is difficult and may not seem worth it at the time; it is worth it and the memories are being made. If skiing isn't your thing, get out and do something with your kids and hopefully, like my kids, they'll remember more of the good moments and less of the tired and stressed moments.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now when I start to "go to that place in my head" when I'm out with the kids, I try to remind myself of Colossians 3:17 "Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">This ski trip was not really an example of living for Christ in word or deed but hopefully, by God's grace and mercy, the next time is.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div>Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-36989426737921853592016-01-07T14:17:00.000-07:002016-01-07T14:17:04.305-07:00Conversations with my four year old boyToday, at lunch, he turned to me and said, "Mom, I think we should get some rabbits. The giant kind. And, I would like a whole herd of giant rabbits too."<br /><div><br /></div><div>I simply smiled at him and laughed too. See, Pete gets a magazine called "Farm Show" and this month's issue had a picture of a man with his Flemish Giant Rabbit - which is huge! So obviously that's the only rabbit that the boy wants. We often take trips to our local IFA store sometimes just so the kids can see the bunnies and chicks. The kids have wanted a bunny for a pet but then we got a kitten so I told them they'd have to wait a few years. But I think if we ever do get a rabbit, it will either be a mini-size (like I want) or a <a href="http://small-pets.lovetoknow.com/rabbits/flemish-giant-rabbit">giant of a beast</a> that the kids want. Maybe next year, instead of pigs, we can raise a herd of giant rabbits!&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.bunnyblab.com/uploaded_images/FGnDog-726892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.bunnyblab.com/uploaded_images/FGnDog-726892.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-30893639656188477492016-01-01T23:26:00.001-07:002016-01-02T10:06:39.401-07:00This Year, twenty-sixteenThis year! I am so excited for this year, 2016. I have always loved fresh starts: first day of the year, month, job, school. The first day is energizing and life giving. It has a way of helping you say goodbye to the past and move on in hope. I am hopeful that twenty sixteen will be the year God has intended for me. I am looking forward to opportunities to take and not miss, to our family growing stronger together, and to the fact that our year, as of now, is uneventful and unplanned but I'm sure it will fill up quickly and I'm going to try to help those things be intentional and to glorify God through it all.<br /><br />Review of last year: It was a good year, a "normal" ordinary year, yet I grew in my relationships with nearly everyone. I am thankful that God is showing me my sinful nature but with reminders that I am not controlled by sin but belong to God. I did indeed memorize Colossians 3:12-17 and also 3:18-4:1 though it's a bit rusty now but I am glad to have accomplished something I <a href="http://amygompert.blogspot.com/2014/12/hello-goodbye.html" target="_blank">set out to do</a>. I am still working on memorizing Romans chapter 8 and will continue that goal until it is completed - hopefully in 2016 but some how it will be done because it has brought me such joy in knowing that truths contained in that chapter and knowing them in my mind and heart.<br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sl5dbJ-UXYk/VodsFj72eyI/AAAAAAAAHEs/pUhJ-WB5y_4/s640/blogger-image--1659604101.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Sl5dbJ-UXYk/VodsFj72eyI/AAAAAAAAHEs/pUhJ-WB5y_4/s1600/blogger-image--1659604101.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "arsenal" for this year: Bible, journal, parenting book to reread, devotional, counting gifts journal/thankful journal, Bible study on Romans, and academic planner.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Along with continuing to memorize Romans eight, this year, I bought a book to help me in my Bible times and prayer. It's called&nbsp;<a href="http://smile.amazon.com/Songs-Jesus-Daily-Devotions-Psalms/dp/0525955143/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1451714516&amp;sr=8-1&amp;keywords=songs+of+jesus" target="_blank">The Songs of Jesus</a>&nbsp;a yearly devotional in the Psalms written by Tim Keller and his wife Kathy. I am trying to use it to guide my prayer life in actually talking with God and understanding better how he cares for us. I know I will miss a day or two or fifteen but I will not guilt myself as if I've somehow failed myself or God but I will simply carry on and know that God has something for me to learn in His Word so I should seek Him there.<br /><br />I have other goals, in other areas of my life, because it helps me to reset and make plans, but I'll not list them here, just yet. But one reminder I will be using is a printable from Ann Voskamp that I hope will help me focus my intentions and look to God for strength. You can find it <a href="http://www.aholyexperience.com/2015/12/this-is-the-year-when-new-year-resolutions-feel-hopeless-you-want-some-soulutions-free-printable/" target="_blank">here</a>&nbsp;in her blog on looking forward this year and having purpose in resolutions.<br /><br />I am ready for 2016 and very excited. I know that we will have hardships of some type or another but I am trusting God that whatever he sends our way will be for His glory and I pray he will sustain us through it and we will react in a way that points others around us to the love of Christ and his grace.<br /><br />I love music and I am often<a href="http://amygompert.blogspot.com/2014/10/worship-and-suffering.html" target="_blank"> encouraged by different songs</a> throughout the year and this year I will listen to the song "This Year" by JJ Heller probably a million times! It sums up what I hope for myself this year. I pray you will listen to it too and be encouraged; plus she's just adorable and I love their music so go buy one of her albums, my favorites so far are "I Dream of You" and "Painted Red"<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/52nriweHAXs/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/52nriweHAXs?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div><br /><br />Happy New Year, may you experience all of life in the light of God's glory and grace.Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-275897174338009452015-12-31T10:28:00.000-07:002015-12-31T10:28:23.615-07:00Christmas 2015<div class="" style="clear: both;">Our Christmas season this year was busy as it has been in the past, but not overwhelming. I'm grateful we had time with family, attended only one Christmas party - and had a good time - and were still able to make time for our own family traditions of advent and the Christmas morning ski time.&nbsp;</div><div class="" style="clear: both;">Advent this year consisted of me reading a story to the kids while they colored an ornament for the tree. The stories were all taken from people in the Bible who were related to Jesus, in his line, or pointed to Jesus' coming. It was a great way to remember all that Christ has done for us and also ways we can share that truth with the world.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="" style="clear: both;">The following pictures are from our Christmas activities from the 24th and 25th mostly. My brother Craig and his wife Courtney were able to visit this year and though their visit was short, it was nice to have an evening with them on Christmas.&nbsp;</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZpKdGPQ15UM/Vn7Gins0CFI/AAAAAAAAHCo/5QocqDGfwdA/s640/blogger-image--1568499475.jpg" imageanchor="1" nopin="nopin" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" nopin="nopin" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ZpKdGPQ15UM/Vn7Gins0CFI/AAAAAAAAHCo/5QocqDGfwdA/s400/blogger-image--1568499475.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas Amaryllis from Pete's Grandma</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6XZJG6zOn_E/Vn7GvOBEgsI/AAAAAAAAHEY/0tY2AM_HR68/s1600/blogger-image--1070407305.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6XZJG6zOn_E/Vn7GvOBEgsI/AAAAAAAAHEY/0tY2AM_HR68/s400/blogger-image--1070407305.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-vPN3O6SILUo/Vn7Geic-dGI/AAAAAAAAHCA/nqZ_cNHbcRo/s400/blogger-image--2088097761.jpg" width="400" /><br /><br /><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-DWXjatKwr6o/Vn7GoBHPxPI/AAAAAAAAHDY/moSN55ND1Rs/s400/blogger-image--813168283.jpg" width="400" /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-U1ztQNF675A/Vn7GnHgM8II/AAAAAAAAHDQ/BWBVzyYsKx0/s400/blogger-image--1230368201.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hugs for Great-Grandma - the kids gave her an Olaf Christmas card that said, "get ready for lots of hugs"</td></tr></tbody></table><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-6YSKYCFt00s/Vn7GgZK6PqI/AAAAAAAAHCQ/lDajWi5QjlY/s400/blogger-image-1333584759.jpg" width="332" /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-E-bfTOYDKg8/Vn7GlQJ8fkI/AAAAAAAAHDA/2zzMipz57po/s400/blogger-image-1533735550.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love wrapping presents with wrapping paper, rather than gift bags - it's relaxing like coloring. Bright blue presents were wrapped by B.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-JCjyWDf1db0/Vn7Gh1eewHI/AAAAAAAAHCg/ODPHg_TndcE/s400/blogger-image-1550345721.jpg" width="400" /><br /><img border="0" height="225" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VRn8bZG8LvI/Vn7GqcqgjrI/AAAAAAAAHDw/u-MRcYqUBUo/s400/blogger-image-119344172.jpg" width="400" /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-R9qmCQTyJFA/Vn7GuGm0NcI/AAAAAAAAHEQ/AJkEVJo7mxk/s400/blogger-image--698784667.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="328" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Mike joined us for skiing and the kids had a great time on Little Cat with him.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-28dFUwrLyGs/Vn7GhFD8t3I/AAAAAAAAHCY/RFf1pIgLjmU/s400/blogger-image--1188997912.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="290" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family pic in front of the tree (and trash can) but it's the only family pic we took this Christmas.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nMdYfID0vRU/Vn7GpO2xNMI/AAAAAAAAHDg/_PmcO9MJBtQ/s400/blogger-image--698570677.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J and her buddy A went on the Little Cat lift all by themselves. I think they went six times in a row.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-VCe7uYqxWnI/Vn7GtGG0UcI/AAAAAAAAHEI/C9Pao4GRWRk/s400/blogger-image--1646174308.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ski friends</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--6NSkOnP5u4/Vn7Gje5Fy1I/AAAAAAAAHCw/UXqpbnwgai8/s400/blogger-image-51649652.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our group picture 2015 - the fifth or sixth year for some of us. B's face is my favorite.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-7bpmSccnM2Y/Vn7GkXimltI/AAAAAAAAHC4/nbmZTNRhuJk/s400/blogger-image--1582036419.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">J teaching her new card game - blink - to the aunts and uncle.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-tPibIIzHIY4/Vn7GrL4Z-gI/AAAAAAAAHD4/jXtNc9XGVUU/s400/blogger-image--1092520084.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="294" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3OtA64RB3m4/Vn7Gpj-yjhI/AAAAAAAAHDo/eVJnzZeYF3s/s400/blogger-image--1076196159.jpg" width="400" /><br /><img border="0" height="400" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-iqPlI5Vn4GE/Vn7GdwYyt6I/AAAAAAAAHB4/vx6ByDFaqVY/s400/blogger-image-1550630061.jpg" width="400" /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-e5LizzFIhsM/Vn7GsakH1QI/AAAAAAAAHEA/rYSQgkUYcUY/s400/blogger-image--1915274717.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Aren't they so cute?&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-9GtQj1t7GXA/Vn7GfhwF0jI/AAAAAAAAHCI/Ow2T8XiBKN8/s400/blogger-image-1993526294.jpg" width="400" /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3MxI9yvbyF4/Vn7GmA9DWMI/AAAAAAAAHDI/8N9DB9A4C84/s400/blogger-image-191656978.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how clean my kitchen table was from after lunch on the 24th all of the 25th even through most of the 26th (except for breakfast) This mama was happy to eat at different houses and have a clean place to look at that wasn't full of wrappings and toys like the rest of the living spaces in our home.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family. I am so thankful for the family and friends we are blessed with and I pray we can be a blessing to them as well.&nbsp;</div>Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-90917285031908137922015-12-19T14:24:00.000-07:002015-12-19T14:24:05.671-07:00Saturday Movie Making<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Saturdays are often unplanned - though in my head I know that Pete may take us skiing. Today he had already planned to work on the Bronco with Seth plus the recent storm meant the resort would be packed; so we stayed home and the kids played while I took some much needed time to update the blog. It has been six months since I've posted and man have things been happening. I documented a few events in June that I wanted to have on the blog but who knows if I'll revisit the rest of the summer or fall. I simply haven't been disciplined enough to make time for writing - an issue I wish to fix in the next few months. So here is a wonderful moment from our day:&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">These two, they steal my heart when they play together. I love how they get along so well - and when they don't, it is often over quickly and they are back to playing. This morning they played in the snow; after they had waited for the temperature outside to be a bit nearer to the hospitable thirties rather than the teens. They came inside, cold and hungry, so we had lunch. I told them they should go play and they came back upstairs with the wooden "camera" from a project B had done with Papa Tom a while ago. They took turns "making movies" and it was so adorable I had to capture the moment. J's movie was something about a lost tooth and the tooth fairies. - She just pulled her own tooth this morning because it was finally so loose but was driving her crazy but she wouldn't let us help. B's movie was titled "The crazy boy." And you'll see right away what he meant. At one point he even picked up the "camera" and panned with J as she danced around the room. They are my most favorite!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-te2IoLzu8g4/VnXCBpKwpVI/AAAAAAAAHBg/FMhwuE3v53I/s640/blogger-image-2133563329.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nopin="nopin" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-te2IoLzu8g4/VnXCBpKwpVI/AAAAAAAAHBg/FMhwuE3v53I/s640/blogger-image-2133563329.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F8sx2Xv2dJY/VnXCAYeqQ7I/AAAAAAAAHBQ/WzjS5y7qJ6k/s640/blogger-image--2003340724.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nopin="nopin" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-F8sx2Xv2dJY/VnXCAYeqQ7I/AAAAAAAAHBQ/WzjS5y7qJ6k/s640/blogger-image--2003340724.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-caDESkBbcjs/VnXCA59T7FI/AAAAAAAAHBY/uyGCrCT3G4w/s640/blogger-image--1064576691.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nopin="nopin" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-caDESkBbcjs/VnXCA59T7FI/AAAAAAAAHBY/uyGCrCT3G4w/s640/blogger-image--1064576691.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwxJZI3NmkT3Ycp5RUmRBcPsId4cPIPsY-TSNHpp1rSAoUBZAiPY2ZuvhdZvL1-U2fU-f2vl2xzGY0' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz6CwF88PXL1YugCDyDZfXqUPAApch4qbXUT43NeGGgtMUDsIe6fkvPAOge0uIt0kWqHm7ZMeFKLJo' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /><br /><br /><br />Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-5471473017761171592015-12-19T13:40:00.002-07:002015-12-19T13:40:54.754-07:00Memorial in Nebraska for Grandpa Arlan Peters <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">June 2015 we took a trip to Nebraska. Both sides of Pete's family are from Nebraska; currently most live in Scottsbluff. This trip was specially made for his Grandpa Arlan's memorial service. Though he passed away in March this year, see <a href="http://amygompert.blogspot.com/2015/03/grandpa-arlan-peters.html" target="_blank">this post</a> for more, we waited for the burial service because the army made a special headstone to be used in the Veteran's cemetery at Fort McPherson, Maxwell, NE. We drove to Scottsbluff first and stayed with Pete's Aunt. Friday, we drove east three hours to <a href="http://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/ftmcpherson.asp" target="_blank">Fort McPherson National Cemetery</a>&nbsp;for the memorial. The service was small but well done and many family and friends of his were able to attend. He was given full military honors and a twenty-one gun salute. Pete gave a speech during the memorial and our kids sang Jesus Loves Me for Great-Grandpa Arlan. It was the closure I think we were waiting for and I know, Pete's mom, Anne was relieved it was finished but satisfied in the memory of her dad's life.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-TzTWe_Ezs/VnWoLSsqy5I/AAAAAAAAG-0/M76tZXXiDUI/s1600/IMG_0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nopin="nopin" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y-TzTWe_Ezs/VnWoLSsqy5I/AAAAAAAAG-0/M76tZXXiDUI/s400/IMG_0480.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FamQdi3mzNM/VnWoGtrCfuI/AAAAAAAAG-o/gYuI9e_wRn4/s1600/IMG_0476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" nopin="nopin" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FamQdi3mzNM/VnWoGtrCfuI/AAAAAAAAG-o/gYuI9e_wRn4/s400/IMG_0476.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aKanE5Z9jyg/VnWqii8StOI/AAAAAAAAHAg/4EBv-sgYMW0/s1600/IMG_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" nopin="nopin" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aKanE5Z9jyg/VnWqii8StOI/AAAAAAAAHAg/4EBv-sgYMW0/s320/IMG_0534.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gheZICMMBh0/VnWpTW8mTfI/AAAAAAAAG_M/4fCvTRgfaP8/s1600/IMG_0494.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: start;"><img border="0" height="300" nopin="nopin" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gheZICMMBh0/VnWpTW8mTfI/AAAAAAAAG_M/4fCvTRgfaP8/s400/IMG_0494.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COuRsQ38Oro/VnWpmGXSDgI/AAAAAAAAG_Y/9y_cZyc5F2s/s1600/IMG_0495.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" nopin="nopin" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-COuRsQ38Oro/VnWpmGXSDgI/AAAAAAAAG_Y/9y_cZyc5F2s/s400/IMG_0495.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TxXNEIKjghI/VnWpsfF8c1I/AAAAAAAAG_k/4UvlNE47gZ0/s1600/IMG_0498.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" nopin="nopin" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TxXNEIKjghI/VnWpsfF8c1I/AAAAAAAAG_k/4UvlNE47gZ0/s400/IMG_0498.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7EirVMJDgM/VnWqJoGrBqI/AAAAAAAAG_8/dUo7NOkFcTc/s1600/IMG_0508.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="300" nopin="nopin" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q7EirVMJDgM/VnWqJoGrBqI/AAAAAAAAG_8/dUo7NOkFcTc/s400/IMG_0508.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UUkGlkrQOoY/VnWqQuxlzZI/AAAAAAAAHAI/IfRfviwBpmo/s1600/IMG_0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nopin="nopin" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UUkGlkrQOoY/VnWqQuxlzZI/AAAAAAAAHAI/IfRfviwBpmo/s400/IMG_0516.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arlan's sister was able to attend too</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Tya38jm1q0/VnWqzegVNHI/AAAAAAAAHAs/x-mJZdNTmsc/s1600/IMG_0644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nopin="nopin" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--Tya38jm1q0/VnWqzegVNHI/AAAAAAAAHAs/x-mJZdNTmsc/s400/IMG_0644.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After the ceremony there was a nice reception at a nearby restaurant where we could visit with the friends and family, many who had traveled far to offer condolences and memories.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -John Fitzgerald Kennedy</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="selected" original-title="" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-size: 17.28px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.464px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 25.92px; vertical-align: baseline;">"And&nbsp;</span><span class="" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-size: 17.28px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.464px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 25.92px; vertical-align: baseline;">whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus,&nbsp;</span><span class="" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #363030; font-size: 17.28px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: 22.464px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-align: start; text-indent: 25.92px; vertical-align: baseline;">giving thanks to God the Father through him." - Colossians 3:17</span></span></div>Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-27782716455169394412015-12-19T11:28:00.000-07:002015-12-19T12:18:16.112-07:00My girl turned 6!<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Our oldest is now six years old! (Six and a half actually but the pictures are from her birthday) She is a sweet yet feisty little thing and we love her so much! We were able to have multiple days of celebration due to a trip to Nebraska the day after her birthday.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RTiDGL7g9fs/VXUh2hdiUeI/AAAAAAAAGRc/5Oejs0j4b14/s640/blogger-image-384319459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-RTiDGL7g9fs/VXUh2hdiUeI/AAAAAAAAGRc/5Oejs0j4b14/s640/blogger-image-384319459.jpg" width="480" nopin="nopin" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day of her party was also a Sunday so she chose this dress for church. It was given to us by our friend, Carol, when she returned from Hawaii last Christmas.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ELrNy72SbuM/VXUh5S24_lI/AAAAAAAAGR0/tWJMX-ZxL9k/s640/blogger-image--2070494495.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ELrNy72SbuM/VXUh5S24_lI/AAAAAAAAGR0/tWJMX-ZxL9k/s640/blogger-image--2070494495.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presents from us: bluetooth speaker - for using with my old ipod; and an ESV children's Bible</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0FhGhxjbo74/VXUh68xTO_I/AAAAAAAAGSE/JV1z2Pm62PI/s640/blogger-image-1715238738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-0FhGhxjbo74/VXUh68xTO_I/AAAAAAAAGSE/JV1z2Pm62PI/s640/blogger-image-1715238738.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She wanted a chocolate cake with pink frosting and sprinkles. We went with box cake and can strawberry frosting and it was delicious!&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FjoZT_eZgjo/VXUh1gwgwDI/AAAAAAAAGRU/MUbJQN_mssA/s640/blogger-image--50422057.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-FjoZT_eZgjo/VXUh1gwgwDI/AAAAAAAAGRU/MUbJQN_mssA/s640/blogger-image--50422057.jpg" width="640" nopin="nopin" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little friends at her "Art Party" They each painted a picture of our tractor (or whatever they wanted) to take home.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-saitql43na8/VXUh6K-DBeI/AAAAAAAAGR8/5S8T-knvCEE/s640/blogger-image-1831532287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-saitql43na8/VXUh6K-DBeI/AAAAAAAAGR8/5S8T-knvCEE/s640/blogger-image-1831532287.jpg" width="640" nopin="nopin" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friend, "Miss Kris" as we call her, helped the kids know what to paint and good techniques to use. It was fun.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Of7I9A__TdM/VXUh0I87byI/AAAAAAAAGRE/fLEmYlB_NUE/s640/blogger-image--1174728341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Of7I9A__TdM/VXUh0I87byI/AAAAAAAAGRE/fLEmYlB_NUE/s640/blogger-image--1174728341.jpg" width="640" nopin="nopin" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of little friends were able to come and we had a great time.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b-BSpkp4tT8/VXUh76xxz_I/AAAAAAAAGSM/Hab9SWc9VI8/s640/blogger-image-668489088.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-b-BSpkp4tT8/VXUh76xxz_I/AAAAAAAAGSM/Hab9SWc9VI8/s640/blogger-image-668489088.jpg" width="640" nopin="nopin" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Everyone wanted to help open presents.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GNpadaFy-og/VXUh3WxhOkI/AAAAAAAAGRk/OFPpDwO05ec/s640/blogger-image--2022388561.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GNpadaFy-og/VXUh3WxhOkI/AAAAAAAAGRk/OFPpDwO05ec/s640/blogger-image--2022388561.jpg" width="640" nopin="nopin" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boys on the tractor</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kyDLmSzJu7k/VXUh4VBh-RI/AAAAAAAAGRs/XdV2NfHuAtU/s640/blogger-image--1570797586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-kyDLmSzJu7k/VXUh4VBh-RI/AAAAAAAAGRs/XdV2NfHuAtU/s640/blogger-image--1570797586.jpg" width="640" nopin="nopin" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After most of the friends had gone home, J decided to teach the fine art of holding a chicken to her friend.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GGPDwWtG4SI/VXUh0w6SDFI/AAAAAAAAGRM/YZI5SDAiMcg/s640/blogger-image--1613209600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-GGPDwWtG4SI/VXUh0w6SDFI/AAAAAAAAGRM/YZI5SDAiMcg/s640/blogger-image--1613209600.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day of her party was the most movement I had done since my ACL reconstruction the month before. Yes, that is 17 flights of stairs! Topped this distance a few days later while packing and cleaning for our trip to NE.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cFj1D2Qt1rE/ValTt0qwQzI/AAAAAAAAG5k/xRrnEYLZXWk/s1600/IMG_0467.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cFj1D2Qt1rE/ValTt0qwQzI/AAAAAAAAG5k/xRrnEYLZXWk/s640/IMG_0467.JPG" width="640" nopin="nopin" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first of two Birthday cakes in NE at Aunt Lori's home<br /><div><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RosnoG9yazQ/ValUC-layDI/AAAAAAAAG5s/h7vm_ZSZhJg/s1600/IMG_0584.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RosnoG9yazQ/ValUC-layDI/AAAAAAAAG5s/h7vm_ZSZhJg/s640/IMG_0584.JPG" width="640" nopin="nopin" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">2nd Birthday cake with more relatives to share it with.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Y8a4NCX9N8/ValUDhpEXLI/AAAAAAAAG50/mwYe5hcI_L4/s1600/IMG_0585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9Y8a4NCX9N8/ValUDhpEXLI/AAAAAAAAG50/mwYe5hcI_L4/s640/IMG_0585.JPG" width="640" nopin="nopin" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Fun celebration at Aunt Lori's house in Scottsbluff. Ice Cream cake and six candles!</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnogJIqNbGw/ValUDm_gdPI/AAAAAAAAG54/XblHR2tbzgg/s1600/IMG_0587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DnogJIqNbGw/ValUDm_gdPI/AAAAAAAAG54/XblHR2tbzgg/s640/IMG_0587.JPG" width="640" nopin="nopin" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We love being able to stay with Aunt Lori, she opens her home to any and all visitors while we are there.</td></tr></tbody></table>The girl had a great birthday and we are so blessed to have had her in our family these past six years. I pray we will have many more and be able to watch and teach her as she grows to love God and love others.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div>Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-9368378911828022212015-06-05T09:42:00.001-06:002015-06-05T15:20:47.451-06:00Are our good deeds really good?<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-abkb3sNeAKg/VXHD3F5J3EI/AAAAAAAAGQg/5lGi-KD-TPA/s640/blogger-image-1505011583.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-abkb3sNeAKg/VXHD3F5J3EI/AAAAAAAAGQg/5lGi-KD-TPA/s640/blogger-image-1505011583.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><br />Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-7576025125006720012015-05-30T11:58:00.000-06:002015-05-30T11:58:01.495-06:00Peaceful HomeAside from the obvious upside of the kids sleeping over at their grandparent's, a night alone for us, there is another upside today: a peaceful house. <br /><div><br /></div><div>Like most other sleepovers, they fell asleep late and woke up early. Usually this results in grumpy kids who fight with me all day long. Today, I picked them up earlier than usual and came straight home. In the past I have picked the kids up and attempted a few Saturday errands before heading home. That has always been a trying experience for all involved so I skipped the adventures today and drove the twenty minutes home. The boy fell asleep in the car (after being awake off and on since four a.m.!) and the girl tried her hardest to rest but didn't find sleep. There was a small breakdown of both children when we arrived home but I quickly rushed them to their beds and suggested a rest would help them be better able to play outside this afternoon. They bought it and are now both sleeping in their beds!&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div>I am in a quiet peaceful home, not only last night but now this morning as well. Coffee, music, and writing at the kitchen table, while my babies sleep and my husband works on the bronco, is very welcomed. A big thank-you to my parents, who are probably more tired than my kids, for affording us the night last night with friends at grow group - a much needed time for both me and Pete.&nbsp;</div>Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-49902857528896766402015-05-30T11:57:00.000-06:002015-05-30T11:57:51.948-06:00The Boy is Four<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">We celebrated Benjamin's 4th birthday a month ago. A play time at the park with presents and cupcakes was the perfect party for my outdoor loving little guy. I got a little "pinteresty" and made a John Deere cupcake cake, complete with "dirt" and a tractor. It was just enough prep for me but not over the top and overwhelming. I love our family and friends. They made the night so special. Turns out, the kid is not tough to figure out and we all bought duplicate presents without the others knowing. Both sets of grandparents bought/made him a "sand/dirt digger" contraption and he loves having two! My sister and I both bought the same construction Lego set and he also loves having two because that way he can build more cranes ect. for his playtime. Overall it was a great time and we love our little man.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">He is so tough and solid yet sensitive and cuddly. I love everything about him and my love for him grows as he grows. Four years old has been a good age for both our kids. The Lord has blessed us with the life of this boy and I am looking forward to the time we have to point him toward God's love and grace.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDSpEAkq0Lg/VWn2iObDHcI/AAAAAAAAGO4/S9W6PDbAqB8/s1600/IMG_9914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nopin="nopin" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UDSpEAkq0Lg/VWn2iObDHcI/AAAAAAAAGO4/S9W6PDbAqB8/s400/IMG_9914.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">He asked for "mickey mouse pancakes" for his birthday breakfast.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BkimSrWgoMA/VWn2mCLfkTI/AAAAAAAAGPA/WAsxHhVuLTE/s1600/IMG_9944.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nopin="nopin" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BkimSrWgoMA/VWn2mCLfkTI/AAAAAAAAGPA/WAsxHhVuLTE/s400/IMG_9944.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had our own picnic dinner at the park before the guests arrived.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LFEuYtQeB2s/VUTcaKkX4aI/AAAAAAAAGNw/FUiP8knAJ5A/s640/blogger-image-416818361.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nopin="nopin" src="http://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LFEuYtQeB2s/VUTcaKkX4aI/AAAAAAAAGNw/FUiP8knAJ5A/s400/blogger-image-416818361.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cupcake cake with cookie dirt and toy tractor.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Avl9FXpizYI/VWn2mr1lF0I/AAAAAAAAGPE/4dyvW9ispM0/s1600/IMG_9946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nopin="nopin" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Avl9FXpizYI/VWn2mr1lF0I/AAAAAAAAGPE/4dyvW9ispM0/s400/IMG_9946.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The boy loves to swing - see pictures below.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvemg8KdRwA/VWn2phGmcqI/AAAAAAAAGPQ/LyPnsZocGnA/s1600/IMG_9955.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nopin="nopin" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Jvemg8KdRwA/VWn2phGmcqI/AAAAAAAAGPQ/LyPnsZocGnA/s400/IMG_9955.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pete and I gave him a "big kid" bike - we may be more excited about it than him.&nbsp;</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xhtuuG8twE/VWn2sTc63PI/AAAAAAAAGPk/pQSAZd4OnZ4/s1600/IMG_9957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" nopin="nopin" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5xhtuuG8twE/VWn2sTc63PI/AAAAAAAAGPk/pQSAZd4OnZ4/s400/IMG_9957.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digging in the sand with his friends and new toys</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVs9AW-GyHU/VWn2pnc5TtI/AAAAAAAAGPU/57mhqoOEo-s/s1600/IMG_9960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" nopin="nopin" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVs9AW-GyHU/VWn2pnc5TtI/AAAAAAAAGPU/57mhqoOEo-s/s400/IMG_9960.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">swing-time, on his birthday, 4 years in a row!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJF5gwROdJQ/VWn2rm97eaI/AAAAAAAAGPg/Fp03fRCUREM/s1600/IMG_9961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" nopin="nopin" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dJF5gwROdJQ/VWn2rm97eaI/AAAAAAAAGPg/Fp03fRCUREM/s400/IMG_9961.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional picture on the blanket.</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-80665298691346587452015-04-16T11:46:00.001-06:002015-04-18T08:33:41.477-06:00Freedom in my daily lifeThe girl is in kindergarten, the husband (who works from home some days) is skiing at Snowbasin, and the boy was picked up by his grandparents to go on an adventure to Home Depot and Bestbuy; so here I sit. I gather my coffee, various media devices, journal, planner, Bible, and "Romans for you" - a great Bible study we are currently using in our grow group (our churches name for group of people growing through spending time together and studying God's word.) Also, I have a lot of blue pens.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1FuyZhwrbLA/VS_sCqplQEI/AAAAAAAAGNU/HIZ9e4FVYlU/s640/blogger-image-2042918290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-1FuyZhwrbLA/VS_sCqplQEI/AAAAAAAAGNU/HIZ9e4FVYlU/s640/blogger-image-2042918290.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Now, it is tough for me to sit and just "be still." I have a 3 year old boy who seems like he is constantly moving. If he is telling me a story, he is pacing back and forth as he speaks and forms his thoughts (his dad does this sometimes too.) But I have no trouble being physically still. It is my mind that I can't keep still and focus. I have been this way for a long time - before kids, and yes, before smartphones - but it has become worse the more "out of practice" I become. If I don't take time to be still and read or think or pray, why am I surprised that it has become more difficult to do?&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">So here I am with my thoughts and the sound of the birds outside, the occasional dog barking, and the hum of the refrigerator. Those are the only sounds! No children are vying for my attention, so I sit and choose to spend this time in God's Word. But the chores and tasks that will fill the rest of my day are calling to me - so loudly in my head. I look out the window and all I can think of are the chickens and pigs and dogs that are awaiting me to feed/care for them. I look up at my kitchen and think of the dishes in the sink and all the laundry waiting down the hall. I even bring guilt on myself for the "good" things I can't seem to do- like the blue little book in the picture is my "thankful journal/counting the gifts God gives" and yet I carry it around without actually writing in it let alone remembering to even think of the things and people in my life as gifts. (But that is a struggle for another day.) Beyond the "chores" and things that need upkeep, there is also the whole fact that I am a wife to a wonderful man and we are parenting these two little people! It is a lot of work to train children and help them grow and learn about the love of Christ! It is a sometimes a tough choice for me to simply sit and be with God and pray and talk- which is the better thing. Being with God helps me to live out all that he has planned for me; the marriage and parenting, as well as the daily "to dos." Today I am thankful he gave me a quiet home to make it that much easier.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Romans 2 is the section we are discussing tomorrow at our grow group so I am reviewing the chapters because it's been a few weeks since I first completed them. I was struck by a sentence near the end that helped me. (paraphrase using <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+2&amp;version=ESV" target="_blank">Romans 2:29</a>) "Through the Spirit applying the work of the Son to us, the Father sees us as objects of praise, not condemnation." God is the one who gives us praise, not men. And it's because of Jesus' work on the cross, not ours! I am so freed by that! I know we say we believe it but do we live in the freedom? I am constantly reminding myself of how much I don't measure up - remember all the tasks, parenting, exercise, ect.. waiting for me to "prove" I've accomplished something? Well, they will still need to be completed, but it won't earn me any favor or standing with God in heaven and I am so thankful to be seen as complete and perfect in the eyes of God the Father - an object of praise! He gets praise because of Christ in me! Laundry and dishes and chores are all small and insignificant things but I am just being hit over and over again by how God has done everything already, yet I don't live fully in His grace and freedom from sin. I bring guilt and condemnation on myself when I don't complete what I set out to do and pride when I do. Remember my post about this very thing maybe a <a href="http://amygompert.blogspot.com/2015/03/lets-be-real.html" target="_blank">month ago</a>? So it's an ongoing struggle in my homemaker's heart. Every parenting "fail" I make shouldn't be viewed as me letting God down but as a way to turn it around and show my children that I can only love them with God's love because God gives me the love and strength.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I took time to sit, and pray and thank God for keeping the unbearable law for me and giving me His Spirit. Today I surrender my thoughts and feelings and willingly live for God in whatever comes my way. I want you to consider that today. Are you carrying your burdens of perfection? Can you let go of your own "list of do's and don'ts" and accept Christ's payment for your sins and failures? Take a moment to sit with God in prayer and ask Him to help you trust him and live freely in His work for the rest of your days. Then keep living life and working on the things you need to do and love your people with God's love - which is so much greater than what we can offer!&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">Lord, thank you for Paul and Your words in Romans. Help me to rest in Your grace and the freedom You gave on the cross. Amen.&nbsp;</div>Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-80988993193752729762015-03-27T12:24:00.001-06:002015-03-27T12:24:51.011-06:00To My "1st Time Mom" FriendsSo, oftentimes there's that thing at a Baby Shower where they pass around blank cards or a notebook and ask each person to write their thoughts, advice, or encouragements for the mom-to-be about motherhood. And they say, "Just a few brief thoughts for the mom so she can look through it from time-to-time and remember she's not alone and other moms have been there too!" And that's when I think, "What? Am I super-mom over here that they think I can compose my thoughts into a small paragraph that will suddenly help this woman when she is so desperate that she turns to a small book for answers or help from her close (and sometimes not too close) friends?" Seriously! I either spend the entire gift opening time thinking of what I should write when the notebook finally makes it's way over; or I monopolize what feels like the whole notebook and miss out on whatever is happening because I'm immersed in this Oh-so-important task of giving All.The.Words.<br /><br />Now those who know me, know that I am rarely brief in what we'll call my "times of sharing." Especially when it comes to motherhood and encouraging new moms in this amazing calling that God has given us. Each day I have made it through this gig of mothering I am growing more and more passionate as to how I can bring encouragement to other moms. Partly because other moms have brought such encouragement to me. I believe wholeheartedly that we need community in our life to grow and change us more into the image of Christ. There is no way that this post or whatever I may write in a notebook can ever encompass all the advice and encouragement there is to give. However, I do believe that God gives us the words we need at the right time and for the right person.<br /><br />Tomorrow I am attending a baby shower for my friend and her little baby, due this summer. I have no idea if they will have a "time to give all your knowledge and encouragement" but I know I always have so much to say and will not have time to say it. Yes, I know that sometimes I end up talking to hear myself talk. And something about not having little babies anymore and getting to relive the memories and excitement of a new baby just brings out all my words. Not to mention all the cool new gadgets and clothes and everything I didn't have when raising my babies. It's like, "What? If I had that when my babies were little, we would have...saved so much time, been super parents, had all the smart babies who can read at age 1." Now really, all the ridiculously cool looking things cannot make or break your parenting - and to me, that is a relief and not a burden. So the following advice will come in two sections: Spiritual encouragement and things/gadgets that you need or don't.<br /><br />At baby showers, you often hear the question, "Are you ready?" No new mom can ever be "prepared" for what is to come. I am learning new things about myself, my children, husband, and God everyday. I do know that life before kids is not the same as life after. In all the ways, good and challenging. Two things I realized about myself as a mom: I need to be in God's Word. It helps me know who God is and how he uses his strength (not mine) for his glory and my good, because all is grace. Also, I need other writers and friends to speak into my life. I have never been good at "preaching the gospel to myself" as it is sometimes said. I need that reminder from other sources, maybe more than some people. Below are a few books or articles I read recently that have encouraged my soul.<br /><br /><br /><ul><li>This link to desiring God is for their book,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/books/mom-enough" target="_blank">Mom Enough</a>, and it is a compilation of various articles/blog posts written by women about motherhood and the calling it truly is. There is also a brief video of John Piper speaking on the excitement he has for the book because of the amazing influence that moms have in the lives of those they encounter. You can order a paperback version or get a free download to your computer or mobile device.</li></ul><div><br /></div><ul><li>I wrote a post recently about a book I read which I now think every parent should read. I am not sure when or how often they should read it but it is awesome and I loved it!&nbsp;<a href="http://amygompert.blogspot.com/2015/02/give-them-grace.html" target="_blank">Give Them Grace</a></li></ul><div><br /></div><ul><li>Blog posts by Jen Hatmaker. Recently she wrote a few posts on motherhood and how it brings out "All. The. Feels." which is so true! Motherhood makes us feel everything MORE. More joy, more love, but also more anger, more frustration. It is part of a series on "what I wish I had known about motherhood" which was put together by the Today Show.&nbsp;<a href="http://community.today.com/parentingteam/post/i-wish-someone-wouldve-warned-me-about-these-big-feelings" target="_blank">I Wish Someone Would've Warned Me About These BIG FEELINGS</a>&nbsp;She contributed this post too:&nbsp;<a href="http://community.today.com/parentingteam/post/what-would-my-mom-do-drink-tab-and-lock-us-outside" target="_blank">What Would My Mom Do...</a>&nbsp;which I find very freeing in this crazy parenting age of "making childhood magical" for our kids.&nbsp;</li></ul><br /><br /><div>Oh girl, I could go on and on about how I love the little reminders that we are enough and God is in control so don't stress or fret or guilt yourself. Guilt sneaks up faster than any other "mom issue" and we were not created to live that way. "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." <a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8&amp;version=ESV" target="_blank">Romans 8:1</a></div><div><br /></div><div>As for all the "stuff" your baby "needs." I have my favorite things that I loved or hated, and so does every other mom on the planet! So I would say, listen to advice and tips and tricks but always remember: God gave your baby to you and you are the right mom for your baby! You may try a bedtime routine that your friend swears by and your baby (or you) hates it! That's okay, move on and find something that works for your family. There is often a "right" way to do things but the minor stuff is all up to you. Please don't hear this as "You are in charge of everything and if you screw it up then your kid is doomed for life!" You are the mom but no one "has it all together" So, here's my few favs (in no particular order and not an exhaustive list) that helped me in my situation and may or may not prove the same for you.&nbsp;</div><div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Baby Swings! Buy one! Any kind will do but my babies loved the kind that not only moved front to back but had a side to side option. - I'm sure there are so many fancy kinds now. Here's the thing: Every mom may have an "I will never...." moment with their kids and if you want to "wear" your baby every second, that's okay and if you want to "only have your baby nap in their crib" then that's okay too. But you will need to be flexible at some point and a swing may be one way to get that baby to nap and let you do what you need to do.&nbsp;</li></ul><div><br /></div><ul><li>Lotions, soaps, what-have-you. My second kid had very sensitive skin and reacted poorly to almost every lotion and soap I was given at my baby showers. I gave it all away and bought various kinds until I found what worked. These three were my favorite:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.target.com/p/sheamoisture-unscented-gluten-free-healing-baby-lotion-8floz/-/A-15027607#prodSlot=medium_1_9&amp;term=shea+moisture" target="_blank">Shea Moisture Unscented Baby Lotion</a>&nbsp;the link goes to target which is the cheapest place I've found this line of products. (I use their curly hair line of products for myself) They also have an unscented shampoo/soap that I love too - though I don't think it's "tear free" so be careful around the their little eyes. &nbsp;</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ikT6E1jsL._SL1000_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51ikT6E1jsL._SL1000_.jpg" height="320" width="140" /></a></div><div><br /></div><ul><li>Diaper Cream is the next one. For my first baby, I could use any product and it worked and she was great. The second kid had a rash non-stop and most creams didn't help but often made it worse. I found a few creams that I love because of their gentle ingredients but they still helped heal the skin.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.target.com/p/burt-s-bees-bb-multipurpose-ointment-7-5-oz/-/A-13973634#prodSlot=medium_1_4&amp;term=burts+bee" target="_blank">Burt's Bees Multipurpose Ointment</a>&nbsp;is petroleum free but still protects baby's bum like vaseline would.&nbsp;</li></ul><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81x8zlympqL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/81x8zlympqL._SL1500_.jpg" height="261" width="320" /></a></div><ul><li>When I eventually had to switch to cloth diapers (he was actually allergic to something in the disposable diapers so his rash never really healed without the use of strong steroid ointments) The multipurpose ointment wasn't good for the cloth fibers and I found another product that was cloth diaper approved:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.abesmarket.com/balmers-monkey-balm-2.html?utm_medium=feed&amp;utm_campaign=9008&amp;utm_source=amazon&amp;mr:trackingCode=8CE5463B-0AF6-E211-B773-BC305BF933C0&amp;mr:referralID=NA" target="_blank">Balmers Monkey Balm</a>. It's pricey but lasts a long time. I still use it on my kids, and myself, for dry hands, and relief for sunburns ect...&nbsp;</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/819HXLxLjJL._SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/819HXLxLjJL._SL1500_.jpg" height="320" width="106" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li style="text-align: left;">Lastly, I haven't read any books on sleep habits or happy moms. I didn't even finish what to expect when expecting or anything like that. But I had a friend who explained the premise of "baby wise" to me and I kept a little of that to help with my kids' sleep habits. Now, I do not agree with the baby wise theory nor do I think you should withhold food from your baby "until the set feeding time." So this is not an endorsement for that book. But I adopted the "EASY" plan as my own: E: Eat. When they wake, they eat. A: Activity. After eating you spend some awake time with baby. Usually tummy time is involved and maybe this portion lasts for 30min. S: Sleep. Baby is getting tired and it's time again for a nap (maybe this lasts 2 hours, maybe 45min. but it's sleep of some kind.) Y: Your time. During baby's nap time, you get your time. This is whatever you need it to be and often people say, "When baby is sleeping, you should be sleeping." I found that tough to do but I agree that at least one of baby's naps should be yours as well. - If a second baby ever joins your family then this luxury is harder to come by. Once baby wakes, it's probably time to feed again. Now obviously this is meant to be a flexible plan and often if my baby "woke before I was ready" I would try a diaper change and then back to bed but if baby wasn't having any of that, it was time to start again with "eat" and move through the steps. This helped me keep a "schedule" even though in reality the schedule can't really begin for about a month or two . I just needed something to guide my days at home with baby and this is what worked for me, especially the first 6 months.&nbsp;</li></ul><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">So mom, you are going to have a blast in this new chapter of life! No matter what comes in the life of you or the little one, you can trust God through it all and give up on being "the perfect mom" or having "the perfect child." We don't know how much time we will have with our children. It may be a whole lifetime, it may be one moment. But we can know that God has entrusted us with them to raise for His glory and purposes and not our own.&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I love you, and I'm excited to share this amazing life of Motherhood with you.&nbsp;</div></div>Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-54404274821497805102015-03-12T10:19:00.000-06:002015-03-12T10:19:48.404-06:00First lost tooth<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">My little girl has lost her first tooth! We've been waiting for it to fall out for almost a week and it has been loose for maybe more than a month. We offered to help her pull it but she kept saying, "As long as it doesn't hurt!" So we let her figure it out on her own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">The day it fell out she came home on the school bus and immediately said, "Mom, I lost my tooth today, at school!" She had an extra exciting day because she was the helper/line leader that day too! She said "It was after I finished getting the hand sanitizer for snack. I wanted to wiggle my tooth and when I did it just came out!" I found out later that she was so surprised and nervous that her teacher had to walk her down the hall to the office because she didn't want to go alone. The "nice blonde lady in the office," as J called her, helped her wash the tooth and put it in a special tooth-shaped necklace to take home. I love that she was able to loose her first tooth at school - they really make a big deal of it. And even though I missed out on a "first" of hers, it's okay because it helps me remember that she is her own little person and learning to live her own life too. We are so proud of our little kindergartner and all the exciting "firsts" we've had this year.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ymJRUm4h7PU/VQBf7jhwdsI/AAAAAAAAGDk/0QyaiI-bxoM/s640/blogger-image--895236647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nopin="nopin" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ymJRUm4h7PU/VQBf7jhwdsI/AAAAAAAAGDk/0QyaiI-bxoM/s640/blogger-image--895236647.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">During lunch that day she said, "Hey, I can still eat like normal!" So cute. Then after dinner, she said, "The librarian asked me today what the tooth fairy will bring tonight? And I told her I didn't know!" That's when I remembered that I was the tooth fairy! So I looked at pinterest just to see what some other people out there were doing. Did you know people actually glue a <a href="http://momandwife.com/2013/12/the-tooth-fairys-first-visit/" target="_blank">tiny dollhouse door</a> to the wall in their child's bedroom (for what, the 3-5 years that they are losing their teeth) as a "tooth fairy entrance!" Yep, it's a thing but it was a thing I wasn't going to do so I kept looking. People also have "tooth pillows" - a pillow shaped like a tooth with a little pocket for the tooth that also holds the money after the tooth fairy makes the trade. I found a "tooth box" I liked so we decided to go with a box and I found a <a href="http://www.handmadecharlotte.com/free-printable-tooth-fairy-notes/" target="_blank">free printable, mini letter</a> to the tooth fairy and an envelope for putting the money too. It was all coming together without much work on the "tooth fairy's" part. So J wrote a note before bed: "I lost my first tooth tonight. You may have it if you want. Love, J. March 10, 2015" (yes I helped her think of what to say" but it was still in her cute handwriting. So all was ready and she went to bed.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IZI5NMoG63U/VQBf5wSyG6I/AAAAAAAAGDU/8iWsXT-WhXs/s640/blogger-image-544346214.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IZI5NMoG63U/VQBf5wSyG6I/AAAAAAAAGDU/8iWsXT-WhXs/s640/blogger-image-544346214.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">I printed one more printout that had a spot to tape money and said, "<a href="http://www.hellowonderful.co/post/GOLD-COIN-TOOTH-FAIRY-FREE-PRINTABLE#_a5y_p=3144979" target="_blank">tooth #1</a>." I remembered another pinterest idea of using hairspray and glitter to make "tooth fairy money" so I did that to the gold dollar and now it was ready! Before I went to bed, I went in her room, retrieved the letter and the tooth and left behind the envelope with the money inside.&nbsp;</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xHHWM-Nc0oY/VQBf6jzIEDI/AAAAAAAAGDc/CVw8BwEmXE8/s640/blogger-image--2142206468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-xHHWM-Nc0oY/VQBf6jzIEDI/AAAAAAAAGDc/CVw8BwEmXE8/s640/blogger-image--2142206468.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">In the morning she came upstairs like usual and had forgotten all about the tooth fairy stuff the night before. So I had to ask, "Is your tooth still under your pillow?" With that reminder, she ran downstairs and found the money. She said, "It's a sparkly coin!" So I guess she liked the sparkles - though they did make more mess than I had hoped. I made sure to tell her "I wonder if you'll get the same thing for the next tooth or something different." Just in case this tooth fairy isn't up to the sparkles and things the next time. She told me the day before that she knows fairies aren't real and so the tooth fairy isn't real. But, I don't think she's made the connection yet that I am the one who sneaks in at night and puts the money under the pillow. I'm glad it's a fun tradition we can have that still has a bit of "magic."&nbsp;</div><br /><br />Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25623745.post-9189476759954779642015-03-07T16:25:00.000-07:002015-03-07T16:31:53.082-07:00Let's be real<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fuzV6xx86fg/VPuFqjjtEUI/AAAAAAAAFyE/AhTnwUB3HAc/s640/blogger-image-1921728363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-fuzV6xx86fg/VPuFqjjtEUI/AAAAAAAAFyE/AhTnwUB3HAc/s640/blogger-image-1921728363.jpg" /></a></div><br />This pile of laundry has been sitting in my basement all week. I've moved it a couple times but not to the closet where it belongs. Even now as I type this, the pile still begs to be put away. I also haven't ridden that spin bike in a super long time and it's been too cold to run outside so I haven't exercised much this week either. I bring guilt on myself so easily but I've also been hit with so much conviction lately - and yes they're different things. I know God is pulling me, pushing me, almost yelling to get my attention and make me wake up to His glories all around! I know from the outside it's difficult to tell but on the inside, I'm fighting a war between God's will and my selfish desires.<br /><br />This past week I've had so many choices to make on whether or not to do "this or that" and as a homemaker, my life is full of those choices and it's wonderful; yet, I still struggle fulfilling all that needs to be done and even doing the things that I want to get done. It's like I feel busy when really I'm not truly busy. Then I read an article that popped up in my Facebook news-feed (sometimes Facebook can be used for good.)<br /><br />Here's a quote from the post:<br /><div style="text-align: center;">"The most common species of slothfulness is “lazy busy” — a full schedule endured in a spiritual haze, begrudging interruptions, resenting needy people, driven by a craving for the next comfort. It is epidemic in our day."</div><div><br />So that basically cut me down to the core. I have been or thought all those things this week. yikes! My good intentions or even my true and honest desire to be who God has made me to be for His glory and my good is overrun by my desire for my "own time" my search for the next relaxing thing in my "hectic" life. So evening comes, after a day of what amounts to basically nothing getting done but I'm still so tired and we literally spend about 2 hours in front of the TV doing nothing. (yes, insert your comments on how hard parenting really is and "it's okay that you didn't do much - you were chasing your kids around and feeding them and isn't it amazing that you've kept them alive this long!" type of comment. Well I get it, but that's not my point here.)<br /><br />My point is: how much do I long for the good that God has given and laid out before me yet I don't reach out and grab it. Do you? Sometimes I read three or more blog posts a day that are showing me Christ and His ways and how we should walk in them. Then I turn and yell at my children because "they interrupted MY reading time and can't they see that I'm trying to learn about God here!" Too much? Over-dramatic? I'm just being honest and sharing my heart and struggles so you too can be honest and know it happens to everyone (at least I'm pretending this happens to you too.)<br /><br />If we as Christians are living in community together, I want to be honest and real and show our inadequacies and voice the struggle because that's one way we and others can see our need for Christ and his forgiveness and righteousness. "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death." Romans 8:1-2 (go read Romans chapter 8, seriously) Isn't that great news?<br /><br />No matter the guilt trip I've put on myself this week, I am free in Christ! He has paid for my sins and I am free! So, this next week, I'm going to live honestly but not in the pity of my sinful self; in the freedom that is given me through Christ and I will rejoice in that freedom and live as one who is free from sin and my own selfish desires. His power in me gives me the ability to say no to hours of mindless activity and say yes to a better life in him. A life with my family and friends that uplifts us and points our eyes to Jesus! Yes, I will still watch TV this week and yes, I'll fail at something for sure. But I will pray continually that Christ will keep the freedom He has provided in the forefront of my mind, that I won't focus on my failures but on His grace to help me begin again and to give Him the glory in it all. Pray with me this week that we will bring glory to Christ and show our community what a free life in Christ can be.<br /><br /></div><div>Desiring God post on the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/lazy-busy" target="_blank">sin of sloth &amp; lazybusy</a>&nbsp;</div>Amy Gomperthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08189959942077461312noreply@blogger.com0